Topic: broadbean size

[captainhastings]

what size should the beans be on my suttons ? Just picked some where the pods looked swollen and one had a bit of a brown tinge on it. I want to keep ontop of the harvesting so they produce well. But when shelled the beans were about 2 to 3 times the size of a baked bean so should I leave them on longer or is that the normal size.
Am I meant to wait until the pods start to burst ?

[captainhastings]

well they tasted great regardless :)

[Robert_Brenchley]

Depends how you like them. They're more tender when they're small.

[Paulh]

When larger, they can have a stronger taste but be more floury in texture. Just starting to pick mine, at a little bigger than you describe.

[pumkinlover]

Depends how you like them. They're more tender when they're small.

I agree entirely I am afraid that I only like them when little.  If big I double pod them which is fiddly to say the least. 

[Digeroo]

I like them when they are small and juicy.  It is not easy catching them just right between being too small and being floury.  I find the point where the outside start of go brown at the edges is about right.  I like them when the eye at the top of the bean is still well green.  Once it has gone brown it is too late.

For me the ones on the pic on this link are way to old to eat.

http://worcsterallotment.blogspot.co.uk/2010/11/how-to-grow-broad-beans.html