Dwarf snap bean Speedy - Phaseolus vulgaris

Wisely named 'Speedy', this dwarf bean is one of the earliest varieties. In less than 60 days, it produces fine pods about 14cm (6in) long and of market quality. Its yield is excellent and its pods are presented above the foliage, making harvesting easier.
If you have a balcony or a postage stamp-sized patio, place it between the pot of rosemary and the pot of basil because the plants only reach a height of 45cm (18in) with a spread of 30cm (12in). This optimizes the use of very small gardening spaces in an attractive way.

The flavour of 'Speedy' is delicate and simplicity suits it well. But by combining it with Indian spices or Mediterranean herbs, you will discover numerous ways to highlight its flavour. 'Speedy' can be harvested from June to October and can be sown from April to July.

Discovered in the New World and then acclimatized in Europe from the 16th century onwards, this bean has now become an essential legume in diets all over the world. The Native Americans cultivated it for its dried seeds, but it was the Italians who, in the 18th century, initiated the consumption of the whole pod by picking it when immature.

The bean is a vine with indeterminate growth. Primitive varieties are all climbing and require support. Later, for practical reasons, dwarf varieties were selected, but all have tendrils that can wrap around a support. The pods are generally green, sometimes yellow (butter beans), striped with red, or even amethyst. Among the varieties that are eaten at the fine or extra fine stage, there are string beans that have filaments when ripe. Then the pod becomes parchment-like and loses its taste.
The snap bean is generally more fleshy and can be eaten entirely, seeds and pods, even when fully ripe. Recently created string-snap beans can be consumed when young and extra fine or at a more fleshy stage like a snap bean as they do not form filaments.

Among the shell beans (i.e., beans where only the seeds are consumed), a distinction is made between harvesting fresh beans and dry beans, which is done 90 days after sowing.

Immature green pods are rich in vitamins A, B9, and C, as well as trace elements and minerals. Dry beans are also very rich in vitamin C, trace elements, and especially plant proteins.

Harvesting: Harvesting fresh beans or young pods begins 60 days after sowing. For fresh beans, it must be done before the pods start to dehydrate and wrinkle. The beans should barely take on their color. For pod consumption, harvest should take place every 2 or 3 days for fine and extra fine string beans. Harvesting dry beans is done by cutting the entire plant, which is then hung in a dry and airy place. They can be shelled as needed.

Storage: Freezing pods is now the most common method of preservation. To do this, remove the stems, wash the pods, blanch them for 5 to 6 minutes in boiling water, then plunge them into cold water before drying them with a clean towel. Once placed in bags, the beans can be placed in the freezer at -18°C (-0.4°F). However, canning is regaining its popularity among an increasing number of consumers due to the inherent taste qualities of this preservation method. Like freezing, remove the stems, wash and blanch the beans, then immerse them in cold water. Put them in jars and fill them with salted boiling water. Close the jars, then sterilize them in a pressure cooker or sterilizer for 1 hour and 30 minutes over medium heat. To do this, completely cover the jars with water after securing them properly.

Dry beans: when completely dry, bean seeds can be stored for up to a year if kept in good conditions, such as in airtight jars.

The gardener's tip: beans, like all members of the Fabaceae family, have the ability to fix nitrogen from the air into the soil through plant-bacteria symbiosis. They therefore have the ability to regenerate soils. Bean cultivation can be included in crop rotation after burying green manure.
Traditionally, bean cultivation in Central and South America is associated with squash and corn, forming a beneficial triad. This association is locally called Milpa. Beans also associate well with eggplants, carrots, cabbage, potatoes, and radishes as they mutually protect each other. Avoid the presence of alliums or fennel as their growth inhibits each other.

A spray of nettle manure allows effective control of aphid attacks and also strengthens the plants that have benefited from it.