Ep 1. Broad Beans

Grow, Cook, Eat season 3 episode 1 titled "Broad Beans" focuses on the delicious and versatile bean while highlighting how to successfully grow, harvest, and cook it. We join the host and gardening expert, Alys Fowler, on her farm as she takes us through the journey of successfully growing broad beans in our gardens, patios or balconies.

The episode starts with Alys Fowler explaining the basics of growing broad beans, including soil preparation, sowing depth, and spacing. She highlights how easy it is to grow broad beans and how they are a great choice for anyone who is starting a new veg patch. Alys also gives tips on how to care for the plants and how to tackle common pests.

As the show progresses, we get to see different varieties of broad beans and their characteristics and learn how to choose the right variety that suits our requirements. Alys stresses the importance of harvesting at the right time and shows how to get the best from the plants. She also shares tips on how to prolong the harvest season by succession sowing.

Next, we see Alys prepare a delicious dish using broad beans that anyone can recreate at home. She explains the nutritional value of the beans and how easy it is to include them in our daily diet. Alys takes a trip to a local restaurant, where we get to see first-hand how a professional chef incorporates broad beans in a range of dishes, both in sweet and savory recipes.

The show also dives into the history and cultural importance of broad beans. Alys goes to a local museum to explore the role of broad beans in ancient civilisations and the symbolism attached to them in different cultures. She also takes us to a food festival celebrating the broad bean, where we see the bean in its various forms, including preserves, pickles, and roasted snacks.

Throughout the episode, we get to see Alys's passion and enthusiasm for gardening and cooking with broad beans. She demystifies the growing process and inspires us to embark on our journey of successfully growing broad beans, whether in large plots or small spaces.

The episode ends with a recap of the different tips and tricks shared throughout the show, leaving the viewer with a strong understanding of how to grow and cook broad beans. Overall, this episode of Grow, Cook, Eat is a great resource for anyone looking to learn more about growing and cooking with broad beans, and a must-watch for anyone interested in home gardening and sustainable living.