The first time i saw fava bean pods was in Santa Monica farmer's market. I have to say they are kinda ugly. The pods were big and most of the time they did not have a 'clean' look like green bean, string bean, snap peas. Intrigued by the look i bought some and i found out that it's one of the most beautiful vegetables that i have known both in look, the bean itself, and taste.
When i split open the pots the bean look like they were cradled in a case lined with a thick layer of soft cotton, pristine and even jewel-like. It sure commands my admiration :-)
I gently took the beans out of the pods, they reminded me of the sugar coated almond candies that i used to adore when i was a kid.
Then i steam the bean with the shell on. When the shell is taken off, the bean is shown in a beautiful bright green color.
I could not resist munching on them until they are gone :-). But sometimes i make sucotash
However, i still prefer to eat the bean right out of the shell with it's flavorful unadorned wholesome goodness.
One day i visited the Learning Garden in Venice high school and i saw the plant and a bean pod and this time i think the pod is pretty good looking :-)