What is another name for fava beans?

Fava beans are also known as broad beans. They look similar to pea pods, but they are larger. Fava beans are time-consuming to peel; the outer pod needs to be removed and so does the outer skin of the individual beans.

One pound of fava beans only yields 1/3 cup of beans. On average, each pod contains four or five beans. Fava beans have a nutty, buttery flavor.

The peak season for fava beans is March through the first two weeks of May. The best beans are not overly large in size and are encased in a green pod without any brown spots.