saving beans

[bargainhunter]

Evening all, i have had some borlotto beans sprout yay and was thinking what to do with the goodies that may arrive later on?

Can they be dried. hows best to do it?
Can they be canned/jarred, hows best to do it?

I really want to preserve any produce i grow this year, please be patient when i ask daft questions or just send me in the right direction

[Ashley@GS]

Hi Bargainhunter,

I don't know if this site helps you I have used it in the past for some bean recipes. Bean Bible :: Bean recipes, baked beans, bean soup, bean facts, anything and everything about beans!

Have a good easter!

[rustylady]

I personally prefer Borlottas dried, though when they are young the "pods" can be used like runner beans. I just leave them on the plants to mature and when the pods go crispy take them home and shell them.

[Two_Sheds]

* whispers: it's too early to be starting French beans

check out my dried bean recipes thread in the cookery section for ideas

[Flummery]

Stating mine at the end of the month. Dry them on the plant. They become crispy (unless the weather's very wet - which of course it often is in summer!) In that case, leave them till they are going leathery and the beans can be felt as fully formed beans inside the pod. If you're not sure, open one. Pick them and dry them in the pod spread out on newspaper indoors in a warm room. Often, when they are fully dry, they pop open and you can hear them rustle and ping. Spooky, possums!

[bargainhunter]

So, when they are dry i keep them in a jar? and soak them for 24 hours? before cooking- how long?
I really have no idea do i

[Flummery]

Yes, when they are fully dry. Soak 24 hours then in clean water, (no salt - it toughens the skins) cook till tender, which can be an hour or more - you just have to keep trying!

[bargainhunter]

Thanks all, lets hope nothing happens to the little plants and they grow big and strong.

[Two_Sheds]

* check out my dried bean recipes thread in the cookery section for ideas

So, when they are dry i keep them in a jar? and soak them for 24 hours? before cooking- how long?
I really have no idea do i

how to use dried beans etc.

[Scarlet]

* whispers: it's too early to be starting French beans

check out my dried bean recipes thread in the cookery section for ideas

Great thread! -- I usually play safe with growing a runner bean and a dwarf french bean but I've got some 'borlotto firetongue' to try this year, hoping to have a go at drying some. Anybody got any favourites for drying?

[Two_Sheds]

Scarlet, click on the link I put in the post above yours

[Scarlet]

Brill thanks, I'm as blind as a bat!