Rather than turning to GM to feed an ever-growing population, some experts believe we should plant more pulses (peas and beans) for drying. They certainly have lots going for them: they are highly nutritious, containing lots of protein, fibre and essential nutrients and are low in fat. The British Heart Foundation recommends them to reduce the risk of heart disease and strokes.
In the garden, drying (or shelling) varieties are easy to grow and productive; climbing types make use of vertical space and can be used to provide shade for other crops. A few are known for their drought tolerance (e.g. tepary beans) and all love sunshine, an advantage as our summers become ever warmer and drier.
They’re not a quick crop – you’re harvesting dried peas and beans a few weeks later than you would green crops planted at the same time as the seed must be fully mature.
If you’re planning to store them, you need to wait a bit longer for the peas to fully dry – especially the larger-seeded varieties such as ‘Holland Capucijners’.
SOURCING THE SEEDS
If you’ve ever grown beans such as runners
