In the case of fresh broad beans, also known as fava beans, the start of the domestic campaign is imminent. The legumes are harvested from local fields from early June to mid-September. Peak season is in June and July, according to the Federal Center for Nutrition (BZfE).
According to the Federal Statistical Office, the German acreage for legumes for human consumption has fluctuated between 450 and 550 
hectares for years, but has meanwhile risen somewhat. In 2018, 3,063 tons of beans were produced on 599 hectares, informs the Federal Information Center for Agriculture (BZL). Almost the entire acreage (96 percent) is located in North Rhine-Westphalia.
Local beans are best bought at weekly markets or directly from the producer. One requires about three times the amount of bean pods for the desired amount of edible beans.
Fluctuating import and export volumes
The annual import and export quantities of beans show large fluctuations. These are graphics from the Federal Agency for Agriculture and Food (BLE).
Source: BZfE