[nickthegreek]

hi just picked my first beans was not sure when to pick them but seen on a web site that when they are 150 mm long they are ready so i picked a handfull that size and they are tiny like me baby finger nail !! is that normal

and also do they always taste bitter when eaten raw ?

[tode]

No you should wait (and water  ) till theyre a reasonable size 20 - 25 mm, but not too big.
Here in France theyre often served with the aperitif, and most people take the skin off, which is a little bitter. I just crunch up the lot.

[Gardeningguru]

hi just picked my first beans was not sure when to pick them but seen on a web site that when they are 150 mm long they are ready so i picked a handfull that size and they are tiny like me baby finger nail !! is that normal

and also do they always taste bitter when eaten raw ?

Hello Nick,
I would wait till they are bigger and fatter, then blanch the beans in boiling water for a few minutes, then skin them.  They will then be super sweet.

Alternatively pick younger and eat raw in salads!

[janiejakemum]

You just need to wait a while longer we picked and ate loads at the weekend some of the beans were huge but i have been picking a pod every now and then just to see.  We ate them with the outer skin on but they would definately be nicer if it was removed.

[lisa80]

Any recipes for broad bean use? my oh is not keen but not going to give up till hes converted!!!

[Beetroot queen]

fry them with potatoes and bacon converted us all 

[lisa80]

that was quick!!!!! skins on or off ???im sure its that bitterness that has put him off

[Lardman]

fry them with potatoes and bacon converted us all 

Have to agree. I leave the skins on mine and in the main they're fine. Although I have noticed they're a bit chewy if reheated.

You're not boiling the living daylights out of them are you.

[Beetroot queen]

I picked mine small and left skins on lovely, the broad bean bed will be 3 times bigger next time 

[lisa80]

no not over boiling them my oh is very particular about veg he loves it with a bit of crunch not too much but definatly not limp and soggy!

[Jay Dubya]

Hi, i made a gallon of wine from 4lb. of the pods it's just clearing so i can have a first taste.

[ben]

broad bean, chorizo, croutons from the chorizo oil and little gem salad - yum.
Fry the chorizo in a little olive oil, toss the broad beans in, then do the croutons in the oil, then add to a bed of little gem. Top.

[Sue32]

if boiling the beans don't add salt to the water as it tends to toughen the skins

[savbo]

some nice broad bean recipes on last night's What To eat Now...

M

[savbo]

though having just looked there's nothing on the bbc website about it... a repeat?