So Proud,

[Bex]

Just thought I would show you my beautiful broad beans, I'm so proud of them, these were the first seeds I sowed and they now have shed loads of flowers on them.

Also pic of onions and garlic (I have weeded since the pic was taken), these are also strong and beautiful. Can't wait to taste them.

[Flummery]

Cracking plants Bex. So now you want a recipe with all 3 in?

[Hazel at the Hill]

Bex those all look fab! Did you say when you sowed the broad beans? I sowed direct in the mid of Jan and mine are no where near flowering! Well done.

[Alison]

Think some varieties flower (and fruit) earlier than others, Hazel. I've got two types in and one is flowering but no signs on the others yet. Must check and find out what type they are for reference next year.

[Bex]

Hi Hazel

It was an autumn sowing, think it was first half of November, same with the onions and garlic.

I'm not even sure I like broad beans but I'm so looking forward to eating them, a recipe to make the yummy would be good Flummery.

[Hazel at the Hill]

Think some varieties flower (and fruit) earlier than others, Hazel.

Hadn't thought of that - mine are aguadulce.

[Alison]

My all time favourite broad bean dish:

BROAD BEANS WITH ONIONS AND BACON

8oz broad beans, shelled
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 onion, chopped
1/3 pint chicken stock
4oz smoked bacon, thinly sliced
juice of 1 lemon
salt and pepper to taste

1. Cook the broad beans in boiling salted water for 2 minutes.
2. Drain and cool. Peel and discard the outer skins.
3. Heat the oil in a large frying pan over a medium–high heat.
4. Add the onion and sauté for 5 minutes.
5. Add the broad beans and bacon and sauté for a further 5 minutes.
6. Add the stock and bring to a boil.
7. Reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the broad beans are tender.
8. Add lemon juice and season to taste with salt and pepper.
9. Eat and enjoy either as a side dish or with some crusty bread as a yummy meal.

[Bex]

Mmm, thanks Alison. Funny thing to say but in my thirty-something years I don't think I have eaten a broad bean.

[Snadger]

I sowed the red broad bean Epicure in the autumn and they are full of flower now, even after having to transplant them a couple of weeks ago from my old lottie to my new one!

PS Shame the flowers aren't red though!

[bramble]

Bex,I am a good bit older than you and I have'nt eaten a broad bean either. I will wait and see what you think and perhaps grow some next year.

[Alice]

Just cracking Bex. I'm sure you'll love eating them. Cook with the onions and garlic. I'm sure I've got a recipe which involves black pudding - if that's your thing.
I only planted mine last week, but they're up and looking good.

[nick the grief]

Broad beans, new potatoes a thick slice of gammon the fat pured over & brown sauce hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm. (Not good for the waistline )

They look good Bex, I'll have to send you some of my crimson flowered ones V decorative & V perfumed!!

[Bex]

That would be very nice of you Nick.

Like your food ideas too, sounds very tasty.

[bubblewrap]

Broad beans, new potatoes a thick slice of gammon the fat pured over & brown sauce hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm. (Not good for the waistline )

They look good Bex, I'll have to send you some of my crimson flowered ones V decorative & V perfumed!!

Forget the brown sauce it's parsley sauce for me!

[nick the grief]

Thats OK as well Bubblewrap.

Here you go Bex this is a close up of the flower.

http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...3&d=1145097108