These are similar to but smaller than broad beans, with a darker and harder skin.

However, broad beans have a very short season (roughly two weeks.)

Like all spring vegetables, broad beans are at their best when very young and tender.

Like mature broad beans, they may have to be peeled before cooking.

Steam the broad beans then throw them into some cold water and remove the skins.

"I badly need it for my broad beans and peas!"

Steam the broad beans and peas until just tender, then add them to the pan.

She was from Belfast and had a face like a broad bean.

These look like broad beans, and will grow 2-3ft high.

A second crop of broad beans, which do not like the dry, have done well.