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Fava Beans

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Preparation, uses, and tips

Fava beans hold their shape well and can be prepared as a filling for pita pockets but do not mash well into pâtés. Fava beans have a tough skin that should be removed by blanching before cooking. Also prior to cooking, soak fava beans for 12 hours, then pressure cook for 25 minutes, or simmer on the stove for two to three hours. 1 cup of dried beans makes approximately 2 cups cooked beans. When preparing fava beans in stews or casseroles, allow for a longer cooking time than most beans need.

Buying and storing tips

When shopping for fresh fava beans, choose crisp-looking pods and avoid wilted ones. Dried beans should be somewhat shiny and smooth. Fresh favas will keep refrigerated up to a week while dried favas will keep for up to a year if stored in airtight glass or ceramic containers.

Varieties

Fava beans are sold fresh, dried, and tinned.

Nutrition Highlights

Fava beans (boiled), 1 cup (170g)
Calories: 187
Protein: 12.9g
Carbohydrate: 33.4g
Total Fat: 0.68g
Fiber: 9.2g
*Excellent source of: Folate (177mcg)
*Good source of: Thiamine (0.165mg), and Zinc (1.77mg)

*Foods that are an “excellent source” of a particular nutrient provide 20% or more of the Recommended Daily Value, based upon United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) guidelines. Foods that are a “good source” of a particular nutrient provide between 10 and 20% of the USDA Recommended Daily Value. Nutritional information and daily nutritional guidelines may vary in different countries. Please consult the appropriate organization in your country for specific nutritional values and the recommended daily guidelines.