(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y222/sandersj89/Borlotti2.jpg)
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y222/sandersj89/Borlotti3.jpg)
Borlotti
Just wanted to add a few words on borlotti beans from the UK, especially as I have just had some for dinner, and they were absolutely delicious: fat, nutty, yum. I have just harvested some to be used fresh, like the ones in the photo, red striped, again absolutely beautiful things. Cook them in unsalted water ( add seasoning after, as salt toughens them up) and boil for about twenty minutes, or until tender. Serve with a bit of fine olive oil, some parmesan, maybe a tomato sugo, anything really, but better along Italian lines.
If, like me , you have shelled them fresh then they wont keep uncooked for more than a few days, so better to leave them to dry on the vine, and pick them when they are well wrinkled. These beans could see you through the winter, well, if you have planted a whole field of them that is. I absolutely love borlotti beans...
Lovely sight, what beautiful borlotti! I got mine in late this year, but will only grow borlotti next year. Were yours climbers or waddlers? ;D
Quote from: supersprout on September 22, 2005, 21:36:44
Lovely sight, what beautiful borlotti! I got mine in late this year, but will only grow borlotti next year. Were yours climbers or waddlers? ;D
Climbers from The Organic Gardening Catalogue.
Jerry
Thanks Jerry, will probably try planting my climbers a little earlier (I only got the plot in May and didn't get them in til June). They are only just starting to burgeon :o ;D
I'm leaving all mine to dry on the vines as i've had so many french beans to eat fresh, but i could resist them no longer and picked one pod today to investigate - chock full of large, pale green beautiful beans. Happy dance ;D