Faba Beans

Faba beans are a smaller Canadian pulse trade with two distinct markets. Food-grade faba goes into traditional preparations and, increasingly, into protein fractionation as a non-soy plant protein source. Feed-grade goes into aquaculture and livestock rations on protein content.

The attribute that separates the two is tannin content and variety, which affects both palatability and processing. Low-tannin varieties are the ones generally targeted at food use.

Whole and split are sold separately, with splitting quality (split percentage, fines and colour) determined by the processor, not the crop. State whether the application is food or feed at enquiry, because the specification and the price base differ substantially.

Faba is also worth considering as a hedge in a pulse programme. It grows in conditions that suit it where peas and lentils can struggle, so availability in a given crop year does not always move in the same direction as the rest of the category, which matters to a buyer who needs plant protein volume and not a specific pulse.