The “fava poblera” is not only an agricultural and culinary treasure in El Poble Nou de Benitatxell. It is much more. It is identity and has become a characteristic symbol of the municipality in recent years. Who in the region does not know the inhabitants of Benitatxell as “mitjafaves”? The people of Poble Nou have known how to take advantage of the reputation for stinginess that popular beliefs once gave them to promote and highlight their star product. Even through a festival, the Mitjafava Fest, which revolves around the broad bean.
But the challenges to the survival of this legume are also increasingly greater. Changes in economic and social models, and the lack of generational change in the countryside, have recently led to a decline in its production. And that is why the Benitatxell Town Council, through the Department of Agriculture, has proposed giving it a boost to encourage people to plant and preserve it.
For several months now, the municipality has been hosting a practical course on growing broad beans, either through urban gardens that were launched last year or in private fields and plots. This initiative has brought together farmers, technicians and residents interested in recovering and promoting the cultivation of this legume, so deeply rooted in the town.
During these sessions, participants are learning essential techniques for cultivation, from soil preparation to harvesting, thus promoting a sustainable and environmentally friendly production model. In addition, strategies are addressed to improve seed conservation and thus guarantee the continuity of this local variety.
Also within the framework of the course, experts from the Carcaixent Agricultural Experimental Station have offered specialized presentations on the characterization of the El Poble Nou de Benitatxell bean. This is a variety that adapts perfectly to the climate of the town and, with a short pod and large, floury grains, has perfect characteristics for making traditional beans. arròs amb fava pelà villager
The objective for the fava poblera: to include it in the catalogue of native varieties
The aim now of the Agriculture department and the expert technicians of the agricultural station is to include it in the catalogue of native varieties, a recognition that would guarantee its protection and encourage its cultivation in the region.
As pointed out by the Councillor for Agriculture, Javi Cabrera, "this joint effort between institutions, farmers and the community is a key step towards preserving the agricultural identity of our town and revaluing a product that is part of our gastronomic and historical culture." He also stated that it is hoped that this initiative will mark the beginning of new projects to recover and promote traditional varieties, supporting an agriculture that preserves the richness of the local agricultural heritage.
