Fava Beans

What are fava beans?

Fava beans (also known as broad beans) are a delicious spring crop! They grow in a large pod, and are encased in another tender shell/skin. They are a flowering plant in the pea and bean family and are a fantastic addition to any fresh spring dish.

What do they taste like?

Fava beans are very tender, sweet and buttery. They taste similar to a fresh sweet green pea, with a softer texture. They taste great when  salted or seasoned with citrus and fresh herbs. 

How to cook fava beans?

To cook fava beans start by pinching the end of the pod, peeling back the stringy fiber and then splitting open the large pod to reveal the beans. 

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, add in the beans and simmer for 2 minutes. Strain and rinse beans under cool water to stop the cooking process. Now peel the other shell that the beans are in. Pinch off a corner to  reveal the tender, darker green bean, and it will slip right out. Now they’re ready to enjoy!

Note: You can eat fava beans in their inner skin/pod, although some prefer them peeled down to the more tender bean. If you choose to eat them this way, just know that the smaller beans will have a more tender skin than the larger beans which tend to have a thicker, more fibrous skin.

 Recipe ideas using fava beans:

• Sprinkle prepared fava beans with a pinch of sea salt and enjoy as you would any fresh steamed green vegetable or spring peas.

• Mash fava beans with avocado and lemon zest for a protein packed, bright and flavorful avocado toast.

• Add prepared fava beans into pasta salad, quinoa salad or into any warm pasta dish.

• Season prepared fava beans with sea salt and add into a spring salad with fresh herbs, crisp greens and a simple olive oil and lemon juice dressing. 

• Toss beans in a pan with  butter, broth and flavorful herbs and spices such as garlic, paprika, dill, parsley, oregano for a flavorful side dish.