Dwarf Kilometre Bean (Kouseband) - Metro nano

The Dolico del Metro Asparagus Bean is a variety that produces immense green pods. In fact, they reach a length of 45 cm (18in). This Italian variety is known as a asparagus bean or sometimes kilometre bean. It belongs to the Fabaceae family but is not a Phaseolus bean. So, despite its name, it is not a green bean in the strict sense. Dolico del Metro has a sweet and tender flavour. Its unique taste is a combination of green bean and asparagus. It is mainly appreciated for its immature pods as the flavour of the dried beans is rather mediocre. It thrives in warm weather and should be planted in a very sunny and warm location. Sow from April to July for a continuous harvest from June to September. Whether consumed for its pod or its bean, it is much appreciated in vegetable gardens as it is very easy to grow. It is so punctual that gardeners know the exact day when they will have their first harvest, which is 60 days after sowing.

Discovered in the New World and acclimatised in Europe from the 16th century onwards, the bean has become an essential legume in diets all over the world. Native Americans cultivated it for its dried bean 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 an indeterminate climbing plant. Primitive varieties are all pole beans and require staking. Later, for practical reasons, dwarf varieties were selected. But they all have tendrils that can wrap around a support.

The pods are generally green, sometimes yellow (butter beans), streaked with red or even amethyst. Among the varieties that are eaten at the fine or extra fine stage, there are filet beans that have threads when mature. The pod then becomes parchment-like and loses its taste.

The snap bean is generally more fleshy and can be consumed entirely, both the beans and the pods, even when mature. The more recently created filet - snap beans can be consumed young at the extra fine stage or left to mature and become more fleshy, like a snap bean, as they do not form threads.

Among the shell beans (i.e. beans that are only consumed for their seeds), we distinguish between harvesting fresh beans and dry beans, which is 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 should be done before the pods start to dehydrate and develop wrinkles. The beans should barely take on their colour. For pod consumption, harvest every 2 or 3 days at the fine and extra fine stages for filet beans. Harvesting dry beans is done by cutting the whole plant, which is then hung in a dry and airy place. They can be shelled as needed.

Storage: Freezing pods is currently the most common method of preservation. To do this, remove the stem, 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 a bag, the beans can be placed in the freezer at -18°C (-0.4°F). However, canning is regaining popularity among an increasing number of consumers due to the taste qualities inherent in this preservation method. As with freezing, remove the stem, wash, blanche, and then immerse the beans in cold water. Then put them in jars and fill them with salted boiling water. Close the jars and sterilise them in a pressure cooker or steriliser for 1 hour and 30 minutes over medium heat. To do this, completely cover the jars with water after securely sealing them.

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

Gardener's tip: Beans, like all members of the Fabaceae family, have the ability to fix nitrogen from the air in the soil through a plant-bacteria symbiosis. They have the ability to regenerate the soil. Beans can be included in crop rotation after burying green manure.

Traditionally, bean cultivation in Central and South America is associated with the cultivation of squash and maize, forming a triad with beneficial companionship. This association is locally called Milpa. Beans also associate well with eggplants, carrots, cabbage, potatoes, and radishes as they provide mutual protection. However, avoid planting them near alliums or fennel, as their growth will be inhibited.

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