Broad Bean Superaquadulce is a highly appreciated, classic broad bean variety known for its early harvest, high yield, and excellent flavour. This old and reliable variety has been cultivated for many years because of its beautiful, long pods and delicious light green beans. Superaquadulce forms strong plants with vigorous growth and produces long, dark green, glossy pods that are well filled with several fine beans. This broad bean is particularly suitable for early cultivation because the plants tolerate cooler conditions well. Superaquadulce is often used for winter or early spring growing and is therefore one of the first fresh vegetables that can be harvested from the vegetable garden. The plants are highly productive and, with good care, provide a generous harvest. During severe frost or prolonged snowfall, it is advisable to temporarily protect young plants. The plants grow vigorously and have a strong structure. Depending on soil quality, care, and weather conditions, they usually reach a height of approximately 90 - 100 cm. Due to their strong growth, the plants generally remain upright, but in exposed or windy locations light support with stakes or string can be useful. Superaquadulce grows best in a sunny, sheltered position in fertile, well-drained soil. The long pods contain several light green beans that can be harvested both young and fully mature. Young broad beans have a tender texture, a fresh flavour, and a subtle sweet note. When the beans are allowed to develop further, they acquire a fuller, creamy flavour with the characteristic taste of a high-quality broad bean. Regular harvesting encourages the plant to continue producing new pods and extends the harvest period.
Broad Bean Superaquadulce is highly valued in the kitchen because of its combination of a tender texture, slightly sweet flavour, and creamy bite. The beans are delicious as a vegetable on their own but are also excellent in a wide range of Dutch, Mediterranean, and international dishes. 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 by removing the outer skin after cooking. This creates a wonderfully creamy texture and a milder, more delicate flavour. Thanks to their versatility, Superaquadulce broad beans can be prepared in many different ways. They can be cooked with butter and savoury, but are also delicious when gently stewed with ingredients such as onion, bacon, or cream. They are excellent in traditional broad bean dishes, soups, stews, salads, pasta dishes, risottos, and oven-baked meals. Combined with Mediterranean ingredients such as olive oil, tomato, and garlic, their flavour and creamy texture are beautifully enhanced. The beans can also be made into a creamy purée or spread. Superaquadulce 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 rich stews. The full, slightly sweet flavour of Superaquadulce combines beautifully with many ingredients. The beans pair especially well with meat dishes containing bacon, pancetta, ham, chicken, 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 fully appreciated. Herbs and seasonings that complement this bean include butter, cream, savoury, mint, parsley, basil, thyme, rosemary, garlic, black pepper, lemon, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese. A classic combination is Broad Bean Superaquadulce with butter and savoury, which highlights the tender texture and slightly sweet flavour of the beans. A Mediterranean preparation with olive oil, garlic, tomato, and fresh herbs also pairs perfectly with this broad bean. Superaquadulce also combines very well with other vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, leeks, onions, tomatoes, spinach, asparagus, peppers, courgettes, mushrooms, and sweetcorn. This makes this versatile broad bean suitable for both simple everyday dishes and more elaborate meals. Hardy annual. Height: 90 - 100 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.
