What does a ripe broad bean look like?

[bikermike]

When does one pick them?

I have a few i shoved in in Autumn which are being eaten by pests. I'd like to eat them before they do...

[veggiechicken]

You can eat them at any stage!
I like them when the pods are about little finger size as you can eat them like runner beans, pod and beans
If you can see the shape of the beans inside the pod, they'll need de-podding but the beans will be OK to eat.
If you leave them too long, the pods turn brown and the beans inside will have thick skins which need removing before you eat them.

[bario1]

I harvested Spring sown ones today, so I’m sure yours must be ready!

[rary]

I haven't grown broad beans that often but when i did I started pulling them once the beans had formed in the pods if the pods are starting to swell pull one and check how the beans look if i remember correctly you can eat them raw when they are young but mature beans need skinned and cooked

[bario1]

the beans inside will have thick skins which need removing before you eat them.

I always remove those skins, no matter how old the beans are. They taste rank!

[Jungle Jane]

Ive got a photo of last years broad beans with peas,strawberries & a small courgette plant for size,they grow bigger depending if you leave them longer,yours must be ready now. I didn’t grow any this year this photo was June 2018 -

[bikermike]

Right, i'll ge them this week then. Btw, when you say "skinned" is that the beans themselves?
How does one do that?

[bario1]

Plunge the beans (once you've taken them out of the pods) into boiling water for one minute, drain them and run them under the cold tap to cool them. Then squeeze the beans out of their skins (this bit is boring, but worth it, as the resulting beans taste amazing without the bitter skins)

[bikermike]

Got it. I will post my results from the minor scalds ward...