Broad Beans

[paul]

I know this might sound a really stoopid question, but !! When do i know when my broad bean pods are ripe for picking ?? I picked 4 pods the other day and they were between 4 to 6 inches long and quite fat. When i opened the pods the beans were perfectly formed but on the small side. Also why do the beans taste completely different from the sshop. I used to hate broad beans but the taste on my garden ones were supurb to say the least. I am now a born again beanie fan !!

[Lesley Jay]

I also hated broad beans - even the ones that I grew myself but then I found that the green bean varieties taste great. Normally I wait until I can feel good sized beans inside the pods before picking them. They freeze great as well.

[richardwil]

They taste a lot better because you have put some tender loving care into them, unlike an agribusiness/supermarket as both of these are after looks and profit. I doubt taste comes into their profit and loss accounts.

Just remember to grow a lot more next year.

My dad thinks they are best left until the seeds are about the size of your thumbnail. Mine never last that long as I prefer to eat them when they are smaller.

Have fun

[malcolmx]

harvesting of any seed crop is best left to individual preference i usually harvest as soon as the pods are shaped and keep on harvesting until pods are too old . most plants are best as young as possible but like most of us i grow way too much and inevitably some pods are old when harvested. old broad beans can be blanched and skinned and added to casseroles wild rabbit casserole is particularly good with split broad beans

[fivespud364]

I know what you mean about the taste the last time i ate broad beans was about 40 years ago as a child and i hated them i had the first ones i picked this year and ate them fresh from the pod raw Wow they were just like large sweet peas now i to am a convert

[Cabbagelover]

Is it okay to eat the tops of the broad bean plants?

[paul]

Hi Cabbage lover,

Yes you can. I saw Hugh Fearnly Whittingsstall take the heads off the top of the plant and eat them raw. He said that they tasted like the beans.