Drying Borlotti Beans.

[snuffer]

I have just harvested the borlotti Beans. Some were already nice and dry on the plants others still need drying out before storing. Should I leave them in the pods and allow them to dry out or should I remove them from the pods?

Was thinking about spreading them out on a windowsill but I don't think there is enough windowsill in the house.

[Two_Sheds]

in the pods, on sheets of newspaper, somewhere warm and dry for a week or two

[zazen999]

I have mine in the airing cupboard - the pods open up on their own and I remove a few each night as they shrivel up.

They need to be fully dry - so try biting one and if you don't leave a tooth mark - then they are ready.

[snuffer]

Thanks for that guys. Good job we take one of the broad sheets. There are hundreds of pods.

Mrs snuffer will not be impressed if I've carpeted the study with newspaper and covered it with beans by the time she gets home.

[zazen999]

Just make sure there's a path through them and smile

[HayleyB]

I'm podding mine and throwing in the freezer, so I don't have to rehydrate, getting the timing right is tricky though... soooooo tempting then...

[Two_Sheds]

I have just filled one freezer drawer with shelly beans - they aren't going to dry any more in this cool damp weather

[Chuffedas]

Hi guys, I have just harvested a load of mine. (Been a tad busy)
The pods were soggy and going mouldy so i thought that i would take them out of the pods.
Am i right in thinking that if they are not completely rock hard, I just freeze them and they only need a ten minute boil?

Also, how do I make them seeds for next year please? Do I just dry some?
Thanks in advance.

[Chuffedas]

Another question: I would like to be able to use them in packed lunches.
Is that possible?
Do I cook them for ten minutes then freeze them?
Can I use them as salad then once defrosted?
Boy borlotti beans confuse me

[SarzWix]

Seeds for next year, yep, just dry them out.

For the freezer, I usually shell mine and do the ten minute boil, then plunge them into cold, and bag then up in roughly tin-sized portions to freeze. That way I can just chuck them straight into dishes without faffing

[taff]

damn that's a good idea!

[Chuffedas]

Thanks loads.

[chris]

Seeds for next year, yep, just dry them out.

For the freezer, I usually shell mine and do the ten minute boil, then plunge them into cold, and bag then up in roughly tin-sized portions to freeze. That way I can just chuck them straight into dishes without faffing

D'oh, great idea. I've been boiling from frozen for ten mins- next time ill do this though!

[Two_Sheds]

I would like to be able to use them in packed lunches.
Is that possible? Can I use them as salad...?

Yes of course. Why wouldn't you? *puzzled at your puzzlement*

borlotti beans confuse me

Borlotti (and all other varieties of French bean) contain a bit of toxin that can make you very poorly (kidney bean poisoning). Some people will never be affected, others can be very ill. It's not worth the risk.

You destroy the toxin by boiling, for *about* 10 mins (I usually do it for 5). Pour away the boiled water, rinse the beans and then use them as normal tinned beans.

If your beans have hardened (dried) then you'll need to rehydrate them before the boil. Do a one-hour hot soak, or an overnight cold soak.
then boil ~ rinse ~ use

more info: http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...ans_26962.html

[Chuffedas]

I am only a simple man.
I get easily confused, normally through rushing around.

I boiled mine for 25 mins and still were a bit hard. I thought ten miniutes would be enough.....
I am now wondering if they had dried out on the plant and had only partially been soaked by the rain.
So, if they have not been dried, ten minutes is enough, yes?

So, if dried, i soak, boil (For 10 mins followed by a long simmer?), rinse cool and then freeze.... Can I then defrost a handful and eat cold as in throw them in a wrap or a salad?
That's a yes, right? Because I killed the toxins in the boiling.