My product of the week is beanettes. At the moment, we only sell these in overwrapped tray, and they are by far the best bean we sell. At this time of the year, the very best beanettes in store are grown for us by the Mitchison family from the Manning river near Taree. Beanette is a made-up name now used to describe any baby beans which are of the smaller varieties of green beans. So, it comes down to the individual grower as to what beanettes you actually get.
The bean our grower has was originally imported from the USA but bred in Holland and is such an extraordinary product that when they are available, they are the only bean I take home. They are not cheap but a four-dollar packet will feed three or possibly four people so at a dollar a head per serve, these are great value and a great product. There is only one grower of this product and that farmer currently has stock. However, some weeks we will run out, particularly on the weekend but we won’t substitute these for a lesser product whilst they are in season and available.
HOW TO PICK
Pick the beans with a vibrant bright green colour, avoid darker looking beans and beans with blemishes or large swollen pods. Fresh beans of good quality should be slim and crisp, and should snap when broken.
HOW TO STORE
Store unwashed, in a plastic bag in the fridge or crisper, and use within 4 days.
