To Buy:
Fresh borlotti beans are available from late Autumn through to Winter. Dried beans should be purchased from a store with a high turnover of dried beans (rather than the supermarket). Greek or Italian stores are usually the best.
To Store:
Fresh beans should be stored in a dry cool pantry or the fridge. Store dried beans in a dry airtight container. Dried beans will keep for years - but obviously the best flavour are from those that have just been newly dried.
Tips & Tricks:
If you have forgotten to soak the beans overnight - pour boiling water over them and soak for three hours before cooking with fresh water.
Cooking Tips:
Cook fresh beans for approx 30 - 40 minutes until tender, adding salt to the water in the final 5 minutes. Dried beans will take between 1 - 2 hours depending on the age of the bean and the length of soaking.
Cook them in stock with sauted vegetables for a delicious comforting winter dish.