Dwarf Bean with Net Opera

The Opera Dwarf Bean is gaining a nice reputation thanks to its extra-fine dark green pods, which are 10cm (4in) long. This bean is truly restaurant-grade, as it is very flavourful. While it is commonly used as a side dish, it is a wonderful main course when prepared Lebanese-style or as a large Niçoise salad.
Despite being small, the plants are vigorous and resistant to most bean diseases. Their compact size makes them suitable for window sills or balconies, alongside herbs that are readily available for cooking.
Opera can be sown from February (indoors) to July and can be harvested from May to September.

Whether consumed for its pod or its seed, beans are highly appreciated vegetables in gardens because they are easy to grow. They are so punctual that gardeners know the exact day when the first harvest will take place, which is 60 days after sowing.

Discovered in the New World and acclimatised in Europe starting from the 16th century, beans have become an essential legume in diets worldwide. Native Americans cultivated beans for their dried seeds, but it was the Italians who, in the 18th century, introduced the consumption of immature pods by harvesting them whole.
Beans are climbing plants with indeterminate growth. Primitive varieties are all climbing plants and require support. Later, for practical reasons, dwarf varieties were selected, but they all have tendrils that can wrap around a support.
Pods are usually green, sometimes yellow, striped with red, or even amethyst. Among the varieties that are eaten at the fine or extra fine stage, there are string beans that have threads when fully ripe. Then the pod becomes parchment-like and loses its taste.
The snap bean is generally more fleshy and can be consumed entirely, including the seeds and pods, even when fully ripe. More recently created string-snap beans can be consumed when young and extra fine, or when more fleshy like a snap bean, as they do not develop threads.

Among the shell beans (those whose seeds are consumed), there is a distinction between harvesting fresh beans and harvesting dry seeds, which takes place 90 days after sowing.

Immature green pods are rich in vitamins A, B9, and C, as well as trace elements and minerals. Dry beans are also very rich in vitamin C, trace elements, and especially plant proteins.

Harvesting: Harvesting of fresh beans or young pods begins 60 days after sowing. For fresh beans, it should be done before the pods start to dehydrate and develop wrinkles. The beans should barely have taken on their colour. For pod consumption, harvest every 2 or 3 days when at the fine and extra fine stages for string beans. Harvesting dry beans involves cutting the entire plant, which is then hung in a dry and well-ventilated place. The beans can be shelled as needed.

Storage: Freezing the pods is currently the most common method of preservation. To do this, trim the ends, wash the pods, blanch them for 5 to 6 minutes in boiling water, then plunge them into cold water before drying them with a clean towel. Once placed in a bag, the beans can be stored in the freezer at -18°C (-0.4°F). However, canning is regaining popularity among an increasing number of consumers due to the inherent taste qualities of this preservation method. Like freezing, trim the ends, wash and blanch the beans, then place them in jars and fill them with salted boiling water. Seal the jars and sterilise them in a pressure cooker or steriliser for 1 hour and 30 minutes over medium heat, completely covering the jars with water after securely sealing them.

Dry beans: When completely dry, beans can be stored for up to a year if kept in good conditions, such as in airtight jars.

Gardener's tip: Beans, like all members of the Fabaceae family, have the ability to fix nitrogen from the air into the soil through a plant-bacteria symbiosis. This means they can regenerate soils. Beans can be included in crop rotation after incorporating green manure.
Traditionally, bean cultivation in Central and South America is associated with squash and corn, forming a beneficial triad. This association is locally known as Milpa. Beans also pair well with eggplants, carrots, cabbage, potatoes, and radishes as they provide mutual protection. However, avoid planting them near alliums or fennel, as their growth will be inhibited.

A spray of nettle liquid fertiliser is effective in both combating aphid attacks and strengthening the plants that have benefited from it.