| Not-so-boring broad beans! |
| Monday, 30 April 2012 22:07 |
|
Dim lights Embed Embed this video on your site Broad beans seem to have a much better reputation in Europe where they've even made it into fairy tales…remember Jack and the beanstalk? Yep, that was a broad bean stalk that took Jack up into the clouds. There's even a town in Germany that has the Broad Bean as its mascot! I received this as a gift from a German brother and sister while operating a backpackers a few years ago. Yes, they take broad beans very seriously!
When and How to grow them As they're part of the legume or bean and pea family, broad beans can be planted in a garden bed that's previously had a heavy feeding crop such as broccoli, lettuce, Asian greens etc. While you won't need to specifically add any organic fertiliser, it's wise to add compost to the soil and in the case of broad beans sprinkle some potash and dolomite over the soil and work in prior to planting. This is one crop that grow best when planted from seed - don't bother getting seedlings as it will work out to be hideously expensive and you'll struggle not to damage their large root structure removing them from the punett. Sow in rows about 50cm apart with the seeds spaced about 10cm apart. They're huge seeds so make sure they're sufficiently covered by soil (about 5cm). Water well once covered and don't worry about watering again until the seedlings have emerged (usually around 2 weeks). These guys will get quite tall (sometimes well over a metre) so it's important to support them from falling over, especially in the windy weather we get in spring. A good strategy is to plant in small plots so you can support a group of them together. Simply place stakes at each corner of the plot and loop pantyhose around the stakes so the broad beans are enclosed. Avoid using string as it can damage the plants in strong winds. This is a photo of last year's crop about a month after planting. Leaving enough space between rows allows you to easily weed using a dutch hoe so no back breaking work and the weeds become a green mulch. These stakes will eventually provide support for the beans. Generally speaking broad beans are a fairly dense bit of veg, and if you simply serve up a bowl by themselves it's kind of like trying to eat half a cabbage. They are best when served with flavours that are going to cut through and enhance their veggie goodness. So think of strong cheeses (romano, parmesan, feta), bacon, panchetta or chorizo and of course my favourite - organic butter and sea salt. Once final recipe idea which I've stolen from Stephanie Alexander (which she stole from Stefano de Pieri and he probably stole from a little old Italian lady) is as follows: As above, pod, blanch and peel your broad beans. My own addition is too add some marinated Meredith Goat Cheese just prior to serving it up - perfect if you want a light meal rather than an entree. A perfect way to celebrate spring and enjoy a bruschetta type snack long before you're first tomato has ripened! |
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