I have a large number of runner bean seeds harvested and was wondering whether anyone actually cooks the bean part to eat and if so how and what do they taste like?
Also do many people keep their seeds for planting next year or do they just buy new seed?
Any comments welcomed. Thanks Jez
I do both.
I freeze the bean itself. When I cook, I take straight from freezer and dunk into already boiling water for a minute, drain and then slip off the out skin of the actual bean by pinching the end off and squeezing it out. Then they are nice and bright green, and I carry on cooking as normal.
From about now, I let the beans get big inside the pod, then pick them. I also let some stay on as long as possible to ripen. If frosts threaten I pick whole stems with beans on and stick it in a vase of water (not very pretty!) for a few days, then take them out and leaving them on, let them dry off in a dry but windy place. when dry, I take the beans and store them in a good stout paper bag or envelope.