There is something wonderfully appealing about fresh produce that comes in its very own natural packaging (the pod). The process of snapping open the pod and blanching the beans, then placing them in iced water, so as not to overcook, is all part of the preparation fun. Shelling the beans is a process that should not be viewed as a challenge, but as a time to engage with your food around a table with friends or the kids, treasuring each and every broad bean as it pops open.

There are many tasty recipes for broad beans. As a side-dish, broad beans with parsley, feta and almonds. As a starter – broad beans, yoghurt and mint soup. And as a main meal – lamb and potato kebabs with minty broad beans or chorizo and broad bean risotto. The choices are endless!