Raw Fava Beans.....

[annieH]

Oh my God...I just got back from the local farmers market with some fava beans that are SOOO good they make me wince.
I have one question though.... since the bean inside the pod is covered with another skin.....is it OK to dip them briefly in hot water?
The farmer said the skins will come off easily like that. it would be that skin layer that would come into contact with the hot water....nnot the bean itself.

If not... i can just deal with peeling them by hand.

Please give me your opinion. thanks.

[VeganVixen]

hmmm , Im really not sure , Ive heard that blanching almonds for 5 sec. then immediatley submerging them in cold water keeps them raw , but im just not sure.........obviously the safe and TRUELY RAW route would be hand peeling , but IMO it sounds ok , as long as its no more than a few seconds.......

[Sharon in Colorado]

The general guideline is if you can dip your own finger in the water without pain or damage than it's okay to do that to your food.

[annieH]

yes... i understand that about your finger in the water.....but whats comming in contact with the boiling water for just a few sec is the outercover of the bean...not the bean itself. This cover on the bean is rather thick too...its not just a thin membrane.
But... I dont know... i dont want to damage the beans...they are so lovely...if it might be a problem for them i can peel them by hand.

they are absolutely delish...and so are the sugar snap peas i got.
when i got there...a guy was taking great handfuls of them and when he was done....i got a few myself. after i walked away...i saw him back at the basket taking the last of them. I walked back over and asked him why he wanted so much..... turns out he's a raw foodist and these are his snacks. HA! never know who you will meet at a farmers market !

[desertroadrunner]

I think it depends on how you feel about it. Sure they might lose a little bit of the enzyme nutrient, but not as much as if you boiled them for 10 minutes.
I blanch asparagas, green beans and peas. They still taste very fresh and healthy, not dead or dangerous. I would go for it. Unless it changes the taste too much or to where you don't like them anymore then don't do it again.

[Sharon in Colorado]

yes... i understand that about your finger in the water.....but whats comming in contact with the boiling water for just a few sec is the outercover of the bean...not the bean itself.


Then I'd say if you can stick your lightly gloved finger in some boiling water for a few secs and then dunk it in cold water and there isn't any damage, then you're good to go with the bean.

[annieH]

Sharon... i am not sure if thats suppose to be a joke or not...sorry... dont know how to take that. and it wouldnt be a few seconds...just a quick dip and out again.....more like a half second.

but... its no concern anyway at this point. I just peeled them all with my fingers and at consumed the whole lot in one sitting. they were so yummy i coundnt control myself.

Guess i will give it a try though ..briefly on my next load of favas

[Sharon in Colorado]

I guess it does sound kind of funny, just trying to help, and thought a light covering over a finger like a glove might emulate a bean's shell. I'm sure it's fine, whatever you did.

>> just peeled them all with my fingers and at consumed the whole lot in one sitting<<

How did your fingers taste? Okay, now that was a joke.

I read somewhere about fava beans being an aphrodisiac, no joke (at least from what I read)...maybe if you feel led to, you can get back to us on that one.

[Rawkinlocs]

Annie (or anyone else who's tried and liked them) could you please describe (if possible) what raw fava beans taste like? I've never had fava beans period, cooked or raw.

But I did see some at the fruit market once and just bypassed them. Everytime I see reference to them, I think of Hannibal Lecter in Silence of the Lambs! :eek: :p

[annieH]

fava beans have almost a meaty taste. of course they are plant food but what struck me was that they went beyond tasting like a vegtable.
I can see where they would be fabulous cooked as well.... they sort of have a creamy consistency when chewed too. If i didnt like them so much just plain ....or the price was lower... i would consider trying to make a nice seasoned dip out of them.

I cant really compare the taste to anything else it is truely on its own... to me anyway.
Do try them if you see them. I am sorry i didnt get more sooner their season is short....like only about 3 weeks. but....maybe they will be around longer. it all depends where you live.

I should also add that i made a dressing of fresh ginger, shoyu,olive oil, garlic, lemon juice and a bit of salt....and that set the flavor of the beans off nicely. I just used a tiny bit of dressing on the halved beans....when they were gone i was craving more....very tasty and very satisfying
now i have to wait for the farmers market on sat. bummer

[Rawkinlocs]

Thanks Annie!

Yes, I'll definitely have to try them the next time I see them.