Delicacy that’s very easy to grow

It makes good garden sense to cultivate crops that are not readily available in grocery shops and broad beans (Vicia faba) can certainly be classified in this category.

Broad beans are a delicacy that rarely grace supermarket shelves in their fresh form be that for lack of demand or storability. If cultivated and cooked correctly, of all the beans, they are one of the easiest to grow and tastiest to eat. They are a hardy crop that does very well in the Irish climate and certain varieties such as ‘Aquadulce Claudia’ even tolerate overwintering outside.

Often autumn-sown beans struggle in the colder months due to severe weather and waterlogging but if they grow through this they are most likely to crop heavier than spring-sown beans and avoid the advances of aphids. The earlier broad beans are sown in spring the better they will do.