Borlotti and Cannellini Beans are such a great crop, and if harvested and stored in a certain way you will be able to keep them for several months, ready to bung in stews and casseroles throughout the autumn and winter months!
When to Harvest the Beans
At this time of year, you can expect that the pods will start to swell and turn deep purple then brown (borlotti) or pale brown (cannellini) as the foliage begins to die back. Once they’ve dried out you’ll be able to hear them rattling around when you shake a pod. This is the best time to pick them. Usually this harvesting would happen in October, but things may vary depending on the season.
Watch out for early frosts and wet weather…
Keep an eye on the forecast for early frosts this year – if they are on the forecast, or if it just feels very frosty, it’s worth harvesting the pods so that you don’t lose them. Also, if a prolonged wet spell comes in, it’s sensible to pick any mature pods (those that are swollen) and dry them under cover instead. This will prevent them from rotting and going mouldy on the plant. We find laying them all out in a fruit crate in a sunny porch or greenhouse is great for drying out the pods if you do need to harvest a bit early.
Dry Out the Beans
This is the key to success! It’s really important that the beans are completely dry before you store them, otherwise they’ll go mouldy. Once the pods are reasonably dry (and the beans rattle), break them open and shake out the beans onto a tray. Lay the beans out in a single layer, keep them in a warm, dry place for several days until there’s no moisture left in them. You’ll know the beans are dry enough when you are unable to make an indentation in the beans with your thumbnail – they will be rock solid.
Storing the Beans
Once fully dried, the beans should keep in an airtight container for up to a year, perhaps longer. A kilner jar is perfect, or a tupperware with a rubber seal along the rim of the lid.
Notes:
- If you don’t want to store the beans dry, you can pod them and freeze the beans earlier in the season, once the pods are mature but not yet drying out. This might be a good option for any beans that you need to harvest in September because of the weather.
- You can also use beans when they are younger, and the pods are still green. Cook them like runner beans.
