Broad Bean

(Lycopersicon esculentum )

A popular crimson red medium tomato with great taste that tolerates low night temperatures, so it is ideal for cooler area. A Russian heirloom that is an early producer. A tough and vigorous producer that needs staking.

An attractive cultivar medium sized, scarlet red fruit that is full of flavour. Tolerant of cool night temperatures and ideal for cool climate gardens

Flavours/Food Partners

A rich flavored tomato that partners well with Latin herbs like garlic, oregano, marjoram, rosemary and thyme. Use with any good salad vegetable, Nasturtium flowers and mixed fresh herbs to make an attractive and tasty salad.

Health/Cooking/Medicinal

Like all tomatoes, Red Russian is high in the cancer fighting agent, Lycopene and also Vitamin C. For a classic rich sauce cook and mix with garlic, marjoram, sweet basil, diced shallots, and fresh pizza thyme. Finely dice, mix finely chopped shallots, fresh pesto basil and extra virgin olive oil and place on lightly toasted Turkish bread then top with an anchovie for a special homemade bruschetta.

Landscaping/Planting

Plant in an airy, sunny position in well drained soil or very large pots. Requires a 1.1 to 1.4 m stake.

Cultivation/Fertiliser

Like all tomatoes it must receive a deep soaking when almost dry and should not receive overhead watering. Feed regularly with Seasol and Powerfeed. A small amount of dolomite lime after planting will make stronger plants. Remove side shoots and develop two or three main leaders. Harvest when fruit is full color

Herb Attributes

Position Full Sun
Height 1.2m
Width 50cm
Categories: ,

Description

(Vicia faba)

Also known as the fava bean. Among the most ancient plants in cultivation and one of the easiest to grow.

Flavours/Food Partners

Similar flavour to peas but nuttier with a robust earthy taste. Herbs such as garlic, chilli, chicory, sage, thyme and savory all partner well with Broad Beans. Simply boil, mash, or puree to spread on crostini. Add to spring stews and soups. A great versatile winter growing bean.

Health/Cooking/Medicinal

Low in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium. A good source of dietary fiber, protein, phosphourus, copper, folate and manganese. This bean can be used fresh or dried. Immature pods can be steamed and served whole. Dried beans are ground and spiced as the basis for falafel mix. Medicinally Broad Bean flowers are used in the treatment of coughs, kidney and genital complaints. Externally, they are used as a poultice for skin inflammation, warts and burns.

Landscaping/Planting

Prefer a sunny position in fertile soil. Excessive amounts of rich manure will lead to leaf growth rather than bean production.

Cultivation/Fertiliser

Broad beans need to be staked or supported. Harvest beans after approximately 85 days. Regular applications of Seasol and Powerfeed to keep the plant healthy and producing well.

Herb Attributes

Position PART TO FULL SUN, MODERATE FROST
Height 1.5M
Width 60CM