Fava beans and a shift
I’m going to a family party later today. I decided to bring fava bean pesto. This is a major process with many steps. I made a photo essay.
Note: about the shift. For the past five years (skipping one for Covid), I’ve had a fava bean party where we invite a bunch of people over to help us harvest the fava beans. It’s very labor intensive. This year, I hit a wall and I couldn’t pull it off. The thought of picking a date and composing an invitation, not to mention cleaning the house and cooking for a crowd, seemed too much. It’s been a fun party to have but I have to overcome my introverted nature to do it. Maybe I’m done. On the other hand – harvesting all these beans myself, even with help from Sam? I don’t know… Next year, maybe plant fewer beans. I do love them and they grow so easily and they freeze well too.
What a lovely post. I must try fava beans next year. I sympathize with not feeling quite up to hosting your usual party, which must have been very nice. I’ve “backed away” from some similar things recently, wondering at the tremendous energy they required of me. Your gardening, stitching and blogging all take a lot of creative focus.
That’s right – the energy they take. Whew. I just long to sit on the deck with my stitching.
your Garden might be my most favorite place in the world.
My love to your snail….
I think of you often when in the garden. Snails are considered a pest around here, but we don’t have too many and they are very cute.
Fabulous photo-essay! I have not grown fava beans since C-19, which coincided with my Mr.’s slide into dementia! One of my favorite beans in the garden, as well as to have in the freezer (or home-canned, my favorite way to store), and one of the best beans for Italian (especially fagioli) and other soups. Your pesto looks yummy-licious! I SO love your garden(s)!
I understand everything behind this: “Next year, maybe plant fewer beans. I do love them and they grow so easily and they freeze well too.”
Thank you, LaceLady! I’m glad there’s another fava fan out there. I’d like to make some pasta fagioli right now…have to shuck more beans.