First tastes

This weekend I managed to have a trio of new taste experiences courtesy of my allotment.

• I tasted sorrel for the first time and instantly hooked - I was worried I'd hate it as much as I hate chicory, but its  lemony sharpness hit the spot for me.
• I ate my first immature pea pod of the year, straight off the plant. Freshness defined.
• I ate my first immature broad bean pod ever, and realised that it's not the same as eating an immature pea pod. I think I'll wait until the beans ripen and try again.

Comments

[elaine]

You need some decent spanish and middle eastern cookery books - they are the kings of broad bean cuisine. (Or try your local tapas bar/restaurant for inspiration). One of my favourites is broad beans stewed with small pieces of serrano ham (you could substitue parma or even panacetta) and a little chopped onion. You have to be brave with the olive oil i.e. stew in generous quantity. I used to hate broad beans - now I can't grow enough. Try the miniature varieties such as Stereo - barely bigger than a pea, and very tender.