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A lot of people are making the most of canned foods right now, and to complement some of those nonperishables, consider adding fresh, seasonal veggies to the mix.
Along with the ever-popular spring peas and asparagus, green fava beans are also in season. If you’re not sure how to use them—or frankly, what they are—let this be your guide for expert-backed info about fava beans. What are fava beans?
Nutritionist Frances Largeman-Roth, RDN , says, "Fava beans—also known as broad beans—are originally from the Mediterranean ." They grow well in cooler weather, which is why in the U.S., they’re primarily grown in Massachusetts, she explains.
Preparing fava beans is a two-step process, registered dietitian Megan Fahey, M.S., R.D., CDN , tells mindbodygreen. First, you have to shuck the beans from their pod, then you have to remove the gray waxy, outer layer on each individual bean. "Although added effort is required," Fahey says, "the delicate texture and pale green color of the beans are worth your time." What are the health benefits?
Similar to other legumes, fava beans are a good source of plant-based protein. Fahey says they offer around 10 grams of protein 1 per cup, as well as 9 grams of fiber, which supports healthy gut functioning 2 .
"Fava beans are naturally low in sodium," Largeman-Roth tells us, which can reduce bean bloat since high-sodium beans often lead to dehydration and bloating.
They are also a great source of the minerals manganese, copper, phosphorus, magnesium , iron, and potassium, Fahey adds. "There is so much nutrition packed in their unassuming pods."Here’s the full breakdown on fava bean nutrition 1 , according to the USDA database:Fava Bean Nutrition Calories: 110 Protein: 9.98 g Fat: 0.92 g Carbohydrates: 22.2 g Fiber: 9.45 g Sugar: 11.6 g Calcium: 46.6 mg Iron: 1.95 mg Potassium: 418 mg Magnesium: 41.6 mg How to eat fava beans If you’re not a fan of peas, Fahey recommends […]
Fallbrook couple had their children help them harvest magic mushrooms: DA
A baggie containing so-called magic mushrooms The U.S. Attorney’s Office,
