Fresh Shell Beans

These are the beans of summer porches and rocking chairs, for each one must be stripped from its shell before it is cooked. Lima beans are probably the best known of the fresh shell beans in this country, but our renewed interest in French and Italian cooking has perked our interest in their ways with fava beans. Fresh lima, cranberry, and fava beans have a buttery texture and delicate taste that must be tried to be believed. So buy a few pounds this summer, grab a friend and a couple of rocking chairs, and treat yourself to one of the lesser-known glories of summer.