How Do You Shell A Fava Bean?
Fava beans abound at farmers’ markets and supermarkets in late spring and early summer. They look like giant, lumpy string beans, and are filled with padding for the beans that looks like cotton. There is a small amount of work involved in shelling a fava bean, but your effort will be rewarded with a delicious and fresh treat. Follow these simple steps to shell a fava bean. Remove the beans from the pod by unzipping the pod on each side to reveal the beans inside. Discard the pods and filling. Bring a large pot of water to boil on the stove. Do not salt the water, as this will toughen the beans. Drop the beans in the boiling water and simmer for 1 minute. Remove the fava beans from the boiling water and plunge them into a bowl of ice water. Remove the skins from the fava beans. Pick up a bean and pierce the tough outer skin with your thumbnail. The skin should slip off. Discard the skins. Now your beans are ready for use in your favorite fava-bean recipe.
