Do you love cooking with fava beans but find they spoil before you have time to use them all? Chances are, you are not storing them properly. Proper storage of fava beans will drastically increase their shelf life and their flavor, ensuring that all of your fava bean recipes turn out delicious. Read on to learn more about the benefits of freezing fava beans and storage tips, and discover tasty recipes you can begin making today.
What Is a Fava Bean?
Fava beans, also called broad beans, English beans, Windsor beans and horsebean, are grown on a flowering pea plant. They can be eaten fresh or dried, and their flavor largely depends on the maturity of the bean. As fava beans grow, their flavor gets increasingly intense and starchy, with small fava beans being the sweetest and larger beans producing a more starchy flavor. The outer skins of the beans are rough with a bitter taste, and are almost always removed before consumption.
Freezing Fava Beans
Wondering if you can freeze fava beans? The answer is yes! Freezing fava beans is an excellent way to extend their shelf-life and ensure that they remain fresh until you are ready to use them. Read on for step-by-step instructions on how to freeze fava beans.
How to Freeze Fresh Fava Beans
Before freezing fresh fava beans, you must remove the outer shell of the bean. This will make it much easier to thaw and use the beans. Follow the steps below to freeze fresh fava beans.
- Open the fava pod and collect the bean inside.
- Remove the husk of the beans and place them into a large bowl.
- Wash the beans under running water and then dry them off with a clean towel.
- Place the beans into a freezer bag or airtight container and place them into the freezer.
How to Freeze Blanched Fava Beans
Blanching fava beans before you freeze them is an excellent way to ensure they retain all their nutrients. Here's how to blanch and freeze fresh fava beans.
- Blanch fresh and peeled fava beans by placing them into boiling water for 3-4 minutes.
- Remove the beans from the boiling water and allow them to cool.
- Dry the beans off with a clean towel, and place them into a freezer bag or airtight container.
- Store the fava beans in the freezer for up to 6-8 months.
How to Freeze Cooked Fava Beans
Curious to learn how you can preserve fava beans that you've already cooked? Cooked fava beans can be frozen just like fresh ones. Here's how to freeze cooked fava beans properly.
- After the fava beans are fully cooked, allow the beans to cool off and dry thoroughly.
- Once dry, transfer the beans to an airtight and freezer-safe container.
- Keep the fava beans in the freezer for up to 6 months or until you are ready to use them.
How to Choose the Perfect Fava Bean
While storage plays a significant role in keeping fava beans fresh, it's not the only thing that affects their flavor. Here's how you can choose the perfect fava bean.
Color
Fava beans that are light or bright green taste the best. Underripe fava beans will feature a pale green color and a smooth pod.
Size
For a sweeter flavor, reach for small fava beans that measure 2-3 inches. Small fava beans can be enjoyed raw, cooked, shelled and unshelled.
For a mild flavored fava bean, choose one that is medium-sized. Medium-sized fava beans will cook quickly in water and taste great when paired with a bit of butter.
Large fava beans are beans that grow up to 12 inches. Due to their more potent flavor, these beans work best when dried. Dried fava beans are often soaked and boiled to create a soft texture that can be enjoyed warm, cold, or puree.
Avoid Fava Beans That Are Too Old
Overly mature fava bean pods often turn yellowish green and are lumpy. While the bean inside may still be green, it's crucial that you eat it quickly and don't allow it to sit on the plant much longer. Avoid fava pods that are wrinkled or have blackened ends, as they are likely no longer fresh.
Freezing fava beans to preserve their freshness is easy. Follow the tips and tricks above to ensure that the fava beans you have on hand are correctly stored. From the Bob's Red Mill family to yours, have a healthy and happy day!
