Borlotti Bean harvest-really chuffed!

[selfraising]

Hi
Am feeling really pleased. Just harvested my 12 dwarf borlotti bean plants and got just under 3lb in weight of beans!! I know this may not seem a lot to lottie growers but as it has come out of a patch that is just under 1 metre squared, I feel quite excited and had to share it with you Have left some on the plants that are not quite ready yet so might either leave them to dry or pick some more for eating

[Two_Sheds]

well done you.
I prefer them when the beans inside are big (I don't really like fresh beans)

[Flummery]

I leave them on too. I'm growing Bird's Egg, a heritage borlotti type. I harvest them when the pods are leathery and the benas cook beautifully at this stage. The Americans call them Shelly Beans. Leave them a bit longer and you've got beans for drying for winter.

[FionaH]

Nice one SR

[selfraising]

I have podded them all now, blanched and frozen. Most of them were already pretty big so am looking forward to some yummy bean casseroles in the winter!!

[FionaH]

I'm coming round for tea then

[selfraising]

I'm coming round for tea then

and your more than welcome

[Caro]

Uh oh. Mine aren't flowering yet

I sowed them direct in late may (as per the destructions) and the plants must now be about 6 foot, but no flowers yet. Here's hoping...

Well done on your harvest, SR

[selfraising]

Thanks Caro, it sounds like yours are climbers, perhaps they just take a little longer and don't forget we have had a lot of heat down here, mind you some rain would be nice once in a while

[northepaul]

Mine have just started producing beans now!! I only have 6 dwarf ones and it was just an experiment

[selfraising]

Mine have just started producing beans now!! I only have 6 dwarf ones and it was just an experiment

Looks like the experiment paid off!

[chris]

What does blanching do? I've not done it on any of my beans so far, and all seem ok when cooked from frozen?

[Alison]

Theoretically you're meant to blanche to kill off any of the nasties that can make the veg deteriorate even when in the freezer. Personally I find they keep just as well without and I can't be bothered to do it. On the odd occaision I have blanched I've found the texture has been not so good as when I've not so I never bother now.

[Two_Sheds]

I find they keep just as well without [blanching] and I can't be bothered to do it. ... I've found the texture has been not so good

Same here. Never bother to blanch

[selfraising]

Interesting, I never knew you could do it without blanching. Does that go for all veg cos it would save some time that's for sure!!?