Broad bean Ratio is an organically grown, very deliciously flavoured and well filled broad bean variety. Broad Bean Ratio is a highly productive and reliable variety known for its beautiful, well-filled pods, high yield, and excellent flavour. This classic broad bean produces sturdy plants with a regular growth habit and develops long pods containing several large, tasty beans. Ratio is highly appreciated by vegetable gardeners because of the excellent quality of the beans, the dependable harvest, and the many culinary possibilities. The plants grow vigorously and have a strong structure. Depending on the soil, care, and weather conditions, they usually reach a height of approximately 90 - 120 cm. Due to their strong growth, the plants generally remain upright, but in exposed or windy locations it can be beneficial to provide light support with stakes or string. Broad Bean Ratio grows best in a sunny, sheltered location in fertile, well-drained soil. The long, firm pods are well filled with several large beans. The beans can be harvested both young and fully mature. Young broad beans have a fresh, mild flavour and a fine, tender texture. When harvested later, they develop a fuller, creamy flavour with a slightly nutty character. Regular harvesting encourages the plant to continue producing new pods and extends the harvest period.
Broad Bean Ratio is highly valued in the kitchen because of its combination of a creamy texture, full flavour, and firm bite. The beans are suitable for both traditional dishes and modern Mediterranean and international recipes. Young broad beans can simply be boiled and served with butter, a little salt, and fresh herbs. For an even more refined flavour and softer texture, the beans can be double-podded after cooking by removing the outer skin. This creates an especially creamy texture and a more delicate eating experience. Thanks to their versatility, Ratio broad beans are suitable for many different preparations. They can be boiled with butter, pepper, and fresh herbs, but they are also delicious when gently stewed with ingredients such as onion, bacon, or cream. They are excellent in soups, stews, salads, pasta dishes, risottos, and oven-baked dishes. The beans can also be processed into a creamy purée or spread. Combined with Mediterranean ingredients such as olive oil, tomato, and garlic, they create a wonderfully flavourful dish with a sunny Mediterranean character. Broad Bean Ratio is also very suitable as a dried bean. After soaking and cooking, the beans develop a soft, creamy texture and are ideal for nutritious winter dishes, hearty soups, and richly filled stews. The full flavour of Broad Bean Ratio combines beautifully with many different ingredients. The beans pair particularly well with meat dishes containing bacon, pancetta, ham, chicken, beef, lamb, and various types of sausage. They also combine wonderfully with fish such as salmon and cod, where the delicate flavour of the broad bean is enhanced. Herbs and seasonings that complement this bean include butter, cream, garlic, mint, parsley, basil, thyme, rosemary, savoury, black pepper, lemon, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese. A classic combination is Broad Bean Ratio with bacon, onion, and a little butter, which perfectly highlights the creamy texture and full flavour of the beans. A Mediterranean preparation with olive oil, garlic, tomato, and fresh herbs also pairs beautifully with this broad bean. Ratio also combines well with other vegetables. The beans are excellent with potatoes, carrots, leeks, onions, tomatoes, spinach, asparagus, peppers, courgettes, mushrooms, and sweetcorn. This makes this versatile broad bean suitable for both simple everyday meals and more elaborate dishes. Non hardy annual. Height: 90 - 120 cm.
Indoor sowing: January - February
Outdoor sowing: end of February - end of March
Germination: 3 - 8 weeks (depends on temperature)
Germination temp.: 5 - 20 °C
Sowing depth: 5 - 7 cm
Planting distance: 15 - 20 cm
Planting distance between rows: 40 - 60 cm
Plant position: sunny and sheltered
Harvest period: May - July
Broad beans tolerate cold temperatures well and can therefore be sown early in the season. For an extra early harvest, the beans can be started indoors from January onwards. The seeds have a relatively long germination period because broad beans germinate slowly and require cooler temperatures for proper development. For an early harvest, sow broad beans indoors from January to February. Use separate pots filled with moist, airy potting soil. Sow one seed per pot and place the seed in the centre of the pot. Cover the seeds with a layer of approximately 5 - 7 cm of sowing compost, as broad beans are dark germinators and need darkness during germination. Do not place the pots in a warm location. Broad beans actually require a cool germination period to develop properly. The ideal germination temperature is between 5 and 20 °C. Depending on the temperature, germination usually takes 3 to 8 weeks. Keep the soil slightly moist, but avoid making it too wet. Once the young plants are strong enough and weather conditions allow, they can be planted outdoors from March onwards. Choose a sunny, sheltered location. Tall broad bean varieties may require support, so place stakes or other supports in good time. Young plants can be protected with netting to prevent damage from birds and other pests.
Direct sowing outdoors can be done from late February to late March. Choose a sunny, sheltered location with fertile, well-fertilised, well-drained soil. Broad beans perform best when sown early and benefit from the cooler conditions of spring. Do not sow later than the end of March, as the plants require cool temperatures for healthy growth and good pod formation. Sow the beans 5 - 7 cm deep. It is preferable to sow in double rows with approximately 23 cm between the rows. Leave 40 - 60 cm of space between each double row so the plants receive enough light, air circulation, and growing space. The final plant spacing should be approximately 15 - 20 cm. Keep the soil around the plants free from weeds so that the broad beans have sufficient nutrients and space to develop. As the plants grow larger, they may be affected by wind or the weight of the pods and can fall over. Support the plants if necessary with bamboo canes, string, or other suitable materials. This is especially important in exposed or windy locations. Once the first flowers appear and the plant has around four groups of flowers, or when the first small pods become visible, you can remove the growing tips of the plants. This prevents the plant from using unnecessary energy on leaf growth and encourages it to focus its energy on pod development. Removing the tops also helps reduce problems with aphids. During dry periods, it is important to water regularly, especially when the pods begin to develop. Even soil moisture ensures better yields and well-developed beans. However, avoid keeping the soil wet for long periods. Protect the plants with netting if necessary against birds and other pests, especially while the seeds are developing. The harvest period of broad beans usually runs from May to July, depending on sowing time and weather conditions. The beans can be harvested once the pods are well filled and the seeds are clearly visible. A good guideline is to harvest when the pods are firm and full, but still fresh and green. For an especially tender flavour, young pods can be harvested early. It is also possible to eat the pods whole. Harvest them when they are approximately finger-thick and still young and tender. Broad beans are very suitable for freezing. Briefly blanch the shelled beans before freezing. This helps preserve their flavour, colour, and nutritional value, allowing you to enjoy your own harvest outside the growing season.
