There exist many varieties of broad bean, classified in three groups according to the size of the pod: long pod, Windsor and dwarf pod. Broad beans of long pod measure around 40cm long and there are between 8-10 seeds inside. The Windsor varieties have shorter and wider pods, producing between 4-7 seeds. We finally find the varieties of dwarf pod, whose fruit is that of smaller size. The seeds are usually green, brown or of whitish colour.

Spanish broad beans are world-wide known for their quality and they are even used as seed producers. Muchamiel, Aguadulce, Ramillete, Cuarentena, Loreta, Mahon blanca y morada are the most representative examples of the Spanish varieties.

If we make a classification of the varieties within the three groups previously described, we obtain:

Varieties of long pod: Aguadulce, Imperial Green Longpod, Relon, Hylon, Imperial White Longpod, Bunyard"s Exhibition, Masterpiece Longpod, Express, Sussex Wonder Longpod, Red Epicure. All of them are characterised for measuring around 40cm long, with 8-10 kidney-shaped seeds. As general characteristics stand out their resistance and their early production.

Windsor varieties, intermediate: Green Windsor, White Windsor. They are shorter and wider than those of long pod. They produce between 4-7 seeds; they have the best taste among all the varieties.

Dwarfed varieties: The Sutton, Bonny Lad.

There are some other varieties of broad bean that do not belong to the same sort, among which stand out the white broad bean and the ‘Haba de burro’ from America.