I've collected a few bunches of vetch with both pods and flowers.
Some pods have been detached, to dry separately. Some whole bunches
are drying intact, so see if it makes a difference. Another bunch
or two have been placed with stems in water, to see if keeping them
a little hydrated helps any.

One thing I haven't seen are any obviously ripe pods, even from the
bottom of apparently-old plants. All pods are bright green, much
like snow peas. Pods at the bottom of the plants have obvious seeds,
but none are filled to the extent seen with snow peas, which fill
the pod to near-bursting when close to ripe.

What does a ripe common vetch pod look like? Links to photos would
be ideal, photos found so far are mostly of flowers and leaves.

Thanks for reading,

bob prohaska