Fava Beans

そらまめ

Chiba and Kagoshima are the main producers, with shipments beginning in early spring. The name sora-mame (sky bean) comes from the pods growing upward toward the sky. The season is short and freshness fades quickly — hence the saying 'three days from field to pot.' Popular as a salted boiled snack, especially with beer

Taste & Texture

Floury texture with a distinctive bean flavor and gentle sweetness. Boiling in salted water is the simplest and most satisfying preparation

Season

MONTHLY AVAILABILITY

May

PEAK

※ Season is based on domestic field-grown availability

How to Choose

  • Choose pods that are vivid green, plump, and show clearly bulging beans.

  • Firm, deeply colored pods indicate freshness.

How to Store

  • Store in a plastic bag in the refrigerator and eat as soon as possible.

  • Shelled beans can be blanched, skinned, and frozen.

Shelf life 2-3 days refrigerated; 1 month frozen (blanched)

Nutrition Facts

Wholesale Market Data

MARKET INSIGHTS

CHEAPEST Jul ¥499/kg
BUSIEST May 1,061t
Volume (t)
In season
Price (yen/kg)

Source: MAFF Wholesale Market Survey for Fresh Produce (2023)

Production Ranking

100% Domestic
Chiba24.2%
Kagoshima17.6%
Ibaraki12.6%
Ehime5.3%
Niigata4.6%
Others35.8%
10%+
5%+
2%+
0.1%+
None

Map data: National Land Numerical Information (MLIT Japan)

#
Prefecture
Harvest (t)
Share
1
2,410
24.2%
2
1,750
17.6%
3
1,250
12.6%
4
523
5.3%
5
459
4.6%

Source: MAFF Crop Statistics / Agricultural Census (2023)

Top 5 Prefecture Harvest Trends (2018-2023)

Chiba
Kagoshima
Ibaraki
Ehime
Niigata