Broad beans, also known as broad beans or broad beans, are delicious, he althy and easy to grow. Their harvest time is in summer, but varies slightly depending on when they are grown. Find out when and how to harvest your broad beans below.
When and how should you harvest broad beans?
Broad beans are best harvested when they are still tender and not too plump, usually between June and August. Green beans including pods can be cooked, while mature seeds can later be harvested as dry beans when the pods rattle.
When is harvest time for broad beans?
Most broad bean varieties have a development time of around 12 to 14 weeks and can be harvested over several weeks. Since the broad bean is quite cold-resistant, it can be sown outdoors at the end of February. Then the harvest season begins in June.
Harvest broad beans green or let them ripen?
Broad beans are often harvested green and cooked and eaten as green beans including pods. The beans should be harvested when they are still tender and not too plump. Another variant is to let the seeds ripen on the plant and harvest them dry. Then the harvest time is pushed back by a few weeks. The broad beans are harvested when the pods are completely dry and rattle when you shake them.
Which variety has harvest time when?
| Variety name | Sowing outdoors | Harvest time |
|---|---|---|
| Triple White | End of February to beginning of May | June to August |
| Hangdown | End of February to beginning of May | June to August |
| crimson | February to April | June to August |
| Listra | February to May | June to August |
| Oscar | February to May | June to August |
| Piccola | February to April | June to July |
| Priamus (winter broad bean) | October to November | June to August |
| Robin Hood | March to June | July to September |
| Witkiem | February to June | July to August |
You can find more delicious broad bean varieties and their characteristics here.
How are broad beans harvested?
Broad beans can be pinched off by hand or cut from the plant using secateurs or a knife. You will save yourself work when processing if you remove the hard cap on the tip of the handle at the same time. Since the broad beans ripen gradually, you should harvest several times and leave the small, unripe beans on the plant and only harvest them in the next harvest.
Store and process broad beans
Green beans must be processed as quickly as possible. They only last a few days in the refrigerator. Therefore, pulp and cook the broad beans immediately after harvesting. Dry-harvested broad beans can be stored in a dark, dry location for up to a year.
