Xiazao Fava Beans

Last updated 2026-11-10 — A unique specialty of Xiazao Village in Anfeng Town, Dongtai City. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, it was listed as an imperial tribute. These fava beans are flat and round in shape, about the size of a thumb, with a slight depression in the middle that resembles a cow’s hoof—hence their common name “Cow’s Hoof Flat.” Strangely, if “Cow’s Hoof Flat” beans are grown elsewhere—even just across a ridge from Xiazao Village—the resulting crop looks completely different, either smaller in size or inferior in taste. In those days, local temples and monasteries all competed to use “Cow’s Hoof Flat” bean paste for making soups and noodles, yielding a broth as white as milk and an exceptionally delicious flavor. The scholar Li Chunfang from Xinghua came to Anfeng to study under Wang Gen, and during the green bean season, teacher and student loved nothing more than picking and savoring them. Later, when Li Chunfang became prime minister, he presented the “Cow’s Hoof Flat” fava beans to the emperor, who praised them highly. From then on, “Xiazao Fava Beans” were sent as an annual tribute, and officials were appointed to purchase both fresh and dried beans for imperial meals. Both the Ming and Qing dynasties continued this tradition. At that time, Xiazao Village became known as the “Imperial Bean Garden.” It is said that when Han Guojun served as governor of Jiangsu Province, he used these fava beans to entertain important guests such as [1] and Chen Yi, and also gave them as local specialties. Chen Yi specially shared this gift with wounded and sick soldiers to let them try something new, creating a much-told tale. When shelled, the beans are milky white in color, and once cooked, the flesh becomes soft and crumbly, offering a fresh and tender taste. Dried beans can be used to make “Orchid Bean Paste.”