Vicia sativa
Winter Tares, Garden vetch, Subterranean vetch
Explore the size, hardiness, soil, light, edible uses and harvest period of Vicia sativa.
General Information
Plant Properties
Growth conditions
Moist
Sand (light) Loam (medium) Clay (heavy)
Acidic Neutral Alkaline
Partial shade, Full sun
Usage properties
Leaves, Tea, Seed
Nitrogen fixer
Description
Cooked seeds are not very tasty or easy to digest, but they are highly nutritious. The seeds can be dried, ground into powder, and mixed with grain flour to make bread, cookies, pastries, and so on. The protein in the grain is complemented by the beans, providing complete nutritional value. However, caution must be exercised; see the information above about toxicity. The leaves, young shoots, and young pods can also be cooked. The leaves can be used as a substitute for tea.