#188 HOW AND WHEN TO PINCH OUT #BROADBEANS 🫘

#188 HOW AND WHEN TO PINCH OUT #BROADBEANS 🫘 Keep a look out for the plants starting to flower and when the lowest set of flowers start to form pods pinch out the shoot tips at the top using your thumb and forefinger. Doing this will encourage the plants to put their energy into developing pods, rather than continuing to grow taller. This will increase your yield later when you harvest! BLACK FLY 😱 It will also help reduce problems with blackflies which you may find suddenly descending en masse at the top of the plant.   Blackflies survive by sucking the sap from your plants, which is the lifeblood of your plant. AFTER PINCHING OUT BROAD BEANS 🫘 If the shoot tips pinched off aren’t covered in blackfly don’t throw them away as they are delicious stir-fried or steamed! Edibility and Taste Broad bean tops, the young shoots and leaves of the plant, are safe to eat and have a mild, slightly sweet flavor that complements many dishes. They can be used similarly to other leafy greens like spinach or young pea shoots. Preparation and Cooking Raw: Young, tender tops can be eaten raw in salads or as a garnish. Cooked: They can be lightly sautéed, steamed, or added to soups and stir-fries. Cooking briefly preserves their vibrant color and delicate flavour. Pairing: Broad bean tops pair well with olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and herbs such as mint or parsley, enhancing their flavour. Nutritional Benefits Broad bean tops, like the beans themselves, are rich in vitamins, minerals, and plant-based protein. They contribute to a healthy diet and can support digestive health, energy metabolism, and overall nutrient intake. Safety Considerations Most people can safely consume broad bean tops. However, individuals with favism, a genetic condition, should avoid all parts of broad beans due to the risk of hemolytic anemia Always wash the tops thoroughly before eating to remove dirt or potential pesticides. Tips for Harvesting Pinch out the tops when they are young and tender for the best flavor and texture. Regular harvesting encourages the plant to produce more beans and keeps the tops from becoming tough or bitter.In summary, broad bean tops are a versatile, edible green that can be enjoyed raw or cooked, offering both flavor and nutrition while reducing waste in your garden or kitchen. Elaine @ AllotmentJoy asked if my lupins are red she vets they’re not 😜 she appears to be correct 🤦‍♀️    • Allotment Tour 3 in 1   Jimmy if you need any spiders 🕷️ I’m your gal 😉 Jimmy @Plot 41b aka Spider-Man 😉    / @jimmy.plot.41.b   New channels, I haven’t popped in any lately Stacey and family @the Fairytale Plot 🪴🫘🥒    / @thefairytaleplot   Rhodell @Pear Tree Allotment 🍐🍃💕    • Vlog 7, I'm back, Let's catch up x   Amanda @ Amanda Gets Growing 🍅🥦🪱    / @amandagetsgrowing   Betty @ Betty the Wood Fairy 🧚    / @bettythewoodfairy633   Cheryl @Rooted in Rations 🧑‍🌾💪    / @rooted-in-rations   Adam @ Dad Digs Stuff 🫘🥒🥦    / @dadsdigsanddinners   Richard @ Warwickshire Allotment Diary 🪴🧑‍🌾🥦    / @warwickshireallotmentdiary   The Family @Leaf 🌿🍃and Loaf 🍞    / @leafloaf10   Tommy @Tommy Grows 🌿🫑🌶️    • Finally Making Progress In The Greenhouse   Gary @ Growing with Gary 🫑🥬🥕    • May 2026 episode 6 polytunnel,tomatoes and...   Lisa @ Lisa Davenport 🪴🍅🥦    • 8 May 2026   I was looking through some old channels and saw something from Ronald pop up 😢 Ronald and Susan gosh even after 2 years I miss you. Lost too soon but never forgotten ❤️    • #17 early July update   Never take the time we are allotted in our gardens for granted, like sowing seeds there are no guarantees. Thank you for sharing your time and stories with me and I appreciate every single one of you and the community we share 💕 Thank you for popping over, always appreciated 🙏. Have a great week and always try to remember gardening is an exercise for the mind, body and soul. Harvesting is a bonus you cannot simply measure in weight 🥰🐝 safe again thanks for watching. If you’re not a subscriber I’d love for you to join in on the crazy garden lady ride 🤭🤭.