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Fig. 3  | Journal of Ethnic Foods

Fig. 3 

From: Symbolic meaning and use of broad beans in traditional foods of the Mediterranean Basin and the Middle East

Fig. 3 

V. faba plants and flowers. a A row of V. faba plants cultivated in a field located in Bari (Apulia, Southern Italy). Sown in November, flowering at the end of February, faba beans are usually harvested in April–May, when the seeds and the pods can be eaten fresh. After that period, they are marketed mostly as dry seeds. b A single V. faba plant, with the stem free of nodules and little ramifications. The ancient Romans believed that the plant of faba bean was directly linked with the underworld due to its long roots and slightly branched stem, therefore this plant was considered able to bring the deceased back to the world of the living. c Flowers of Vicia faba L. with the typical black spot in the center of the white petals. In ancient times, the bean flower was considered a sign of mourning because of the black spot

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