Need help broad beans

[cariann88]

I have never grown broad beans before. How can you tell when they are ready to harvest?


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[Feral007]

When they have big fat pod on them. I actually was lazy and just pulled the plants out and then didn't shell them.
When I went to compost the big pile of plants I found the pods were dried and ready to shell.

[Ja9]

When a pod looks quite big and you can see that the beans are showing through the skin,a bumpy look,just open one up and see. If they are too small give then give them another week.If they look the size that you want to eat,harvest the ones that are the same size. I cut mine off carefully as often there are smaller developing pods next to them. It is very easy to miss a few that then get huge .The skins on the individual beans tend to be a bit tough then,but you bean peal them off after cooking. Bit of a fiddle though. I find all fresh veg tends to cook quickly,so don't overdo it as not so nice when mushy!

[Bren In Pots]

Don't forget you can eat the very top most leaves I use them in omelettes and stir fries.

I like your idea Feral I do that with the last of my runner beans.

[Alison]

When I went to compost the big pile of plants I found the pods were dried and ready to shell.

Although you can eat them dried, they are much nicer (and sweeter) picked way earlier when the pods are nice and juicy and young. If they're starting to look nice and fat break one open and have a look although we prepared for disappointment initially as they are wrapped in fluffy duvets which makes them look bigger than they are when looking at the pod.

The skins on the individual beans tend to be a bit tough then,but you bean peal them off after cooking. Bit of a fiddle though. I find all fresh veg tends to cook quickly,so don't overdo it as not so nice when mushy!

Another good reason for picking young as the skins aren't tough then.


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[veggiechicken]

I pick the pods when they are little finger size and cook the pod complete with contents. You can eat them like runner beans and there's no fluffy duvet or tough skin on the beans themselves.

[cariann88]

Thanks 😊


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