Dwarf Filet Bean Cupidon organic seed

The Dwarf French Bean 'Cupidon' is best eaten when young, at the extra-fine to fine stage. Its thin, green pods measure 15 to 20 cm and contain beige grains veined with brown. This stringless variety can also be harvested later: its pods can then be prepared as snap beans. With a very delicate flavour, they lend themselves to all culinary preparations. There are many ways to enjoy green beans. Think in particular of Italian, Indian, or Lebanese recipes, which are best enjoyed fresh. Let's add that 'Cupidon' beans freeze very well. It is a vigorous variety resistant to diseases. The first harvest can be done as early as 65 days after sowing.

Whether consumed for its pod or its seed, the bean is a highly appreciated vegetable in gardens, as it is very easy to grow. It is so reliable that the gardener can almost know the exact date of the first harvest, approximately 60 days after sowing.

Discovered in the New World and then acclimatised in Europe from the 16th century, the bean has become an essential legume in world cuisines. Native Americans cultivated it for its dried seeds, but it was the Italians who, in the 18th century, introduced the consumption of the entire pod by picking it immature. The bean is a vine plant with indeterminate growth. Primitive varieties are all pole beans and require staking. For practical reasons, dwarf varieties have been selected, but they all have tendrils that can wrap around a support. The pods are generally green, sometimes yellow (wax beans), striped with red, or even amethyst. Among the varieties to be consumed at the fine or extra-fine stage are string beans, which, when mature, develop strings. Subsequently, the pod becomes parchment-like and loses its taste quality.

Snap beans are generally fleshier and can be consumed entirely, seeds and pods, even when ripe. Snap bean varieties, more recently created, can be consumed young at the extra-fine stage or until they become more fleshy like snap beans, as they do not form strings.

Among the shelling varieties, where only the seeds are consumed, we distinguish between harvesting fresh seeds and dry seeds, about 90 days after sowing.

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

Harvesting: Harvesting fresh seeds or young pods begins 60 days after sowing. For fresh seeds, it must be done before the pods start to dry and wrinkle. The seeds should barely take on their colour. For pod consumption, harvesting should take place every 2 or 3 days, at the fine and extra-fine stages for string beans. Harvest dry seed by cutting the stem completely, which is then hung in a dry and airy place. They can be shelled as needed.

Preservation: Freezing pods is the most common preservation method today. To do this, string them, wash them, blanch for 5 to 6 minutes in boiling water, then plunge into cold water before drying them with a clean cloth. Once bagged, the beans can be placed in the freezer at -18°C. However, canning is regaining popularity for an increasing number of consumers, thanks to the taste qualities inherent in this preservation method. Like freezing, string, wash, blanch, then plunge the beans into cold water. Place them in jars filled with salted boiling water. Seal them, then sterilise in a pressure cooker or with a steriliser for 1 hour 30 minutes over medium heat. Completely cover the jars with water after securing them well.

Dry beans: Once fully dry, bean seeds can be stored for a year if kept in good conditions, such as in airtight jars.

The gardener's tip: Beans, like all members of the Fabaceae family, can fix nitrogen from the air into the soil through a plant-bacterium symbiosis. They can regenerate soils. Beans can be included in crop rotation after burying green manure. Beans are low-nutrient-demanding plants. Traditionally, bean cultivation is associated in Central and South America with squashes and corn, forming a positive triad. This association is locally called Milpa. Beans also pair well with aubergines, carrots, cabbages, potatoes, and radishes as they mutually protect each other. However, avoid planting them near alliums or fennels, as their growths inhibit each other.

A spray of nettle manure not only effectively combats aphid attacks but also strengthens the plants.