Beans (Fava)

About Me: Fava beans, or broad beans are part of the pea/bean family. They have a delicious creamy texture and nutty flavour. Fava beans are a great source of fibre, protein, Iron, B vitamins, Potassium, and Magnesium. They are great in bean salads, casseroles, or even as a raw snack with some dip. Fava beans should be removed from pod before cooking and outer shells removed before eating. 

How to prepare: When you look at the fava bean pod, you will notice that the edges have a seam. To open the pod, snap off the tip and pull down; the seam will open like a zipper. Once the pod is open at least somewhat you can easily tear it open the rest of the way with your hands. Remove the beans from the pod. When you are done, fill a mixing bowl with cold ice water (enough to cover the beans) and set aside. Then, fill a pot with water (enough to cover the beans) and bring to a boil. Once the water is boiling, blanch the fresh fava beans for 30 seconds. With a slotted spoon, immediately transfer the blanched fava beans to the bowl of ice water. This will stop them from cooking any longer. Your beans are now ready to peel. This is a bit time consuming, but the skins should slip off fairly easily by pinching between your thumb and forefinger.

An important note before eating fava beans: There is a rare disease associated with the consumption of fava beans called Favism. Once consumed, it displays itself as an allergic reaction however it is actually a genetic disease. Merriam Webster Dictionary defines Favism as: a condition especially of males of Mediterranean descent that is marked by the development of hemolytic anemia upon consumption of broad beans or inhalation of broad bean pollen and is caused by a usually inherited deficiency of glucose-6-phosphate(G6PD). 

In humans, favism produces acute hemolytic anemia. After susceptible subjects eat the beans, symptoms can occur in 5–24 h. The symptoms include headache, vomiting, nausea, yawning, stomach pains, and a raised temperature, rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, dark urine, and paleness. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms after eating fava beans, please go to emergency.

To store: Store unwashed fresh beans in a cotton mesh bag, then covered reused plastic bag, or put into an airtight container. Keep fresh beans in the fridge for up to two weeks.

To freeze: Remove beans from pod. Blanch washed beans for 1 minute. Rinse in cold water to stop the cooking process, drain, and removed outer shells on each bean. Pack into airtight containers. Beans will not have the exact same texture  after being frozen and are better used in soups or dips.

Recipes: Coming soon!