When choosing fresh fava beans, find pods that are firm but without many markings. The pods will look a little like giant green beans, long and plump, varying slightly in length, with some bronzing on the outside of the pod. The pods should be heavy, with just a hint of the rounded beans inside.
To store fava bean pods, place them in a plastic bag in the crisper section of the refrigerator right away. The pods will keep for five to seven days in the refrigerator.
Fava beans are low fat, saturated fat free, cholesterol free, good source of vitamin B1, copper, iron, magnesium, phosphorous, and potassium. An excellent source of fiber, folate, and manganese.
