Gotta love a product which makes life easy and is also good for you.
These freshly shelled borlotti beans are packed full of beany goodness and have a creamy texture that is superior to their dried or canned cousins, plus there's no added sugar or salt.
They are grown in Victoria near Swan Hill by Michael and Jina Tripodi who have a love of borlotti beans courtesy of their European heritage.
“We searched the world to be able to bring freshly shelled borlotti beans from the farm to Australian dinner tables using specialised machinery, just as they do in Italy, to ensure maximum freshness and minimal handling of the product,” Michael said.
“Because Edible Gems are already shelled, they can be used straight away without soaking and they retain their shape and buttery texture when cooked making them perfect for gourmet food on-the-go,” Jina said.
“A great thing about borlotti beans is their versatility – they’re perfect for jazzing up summer salads and are a lovely addition on an antipasti platter. They are at their element when boiled with garlic or seasoning and served simply with a splash of olive oil.
“They are ideal for vegetarians and vegans as they give meals substance and are full of essential nutrients,” she said.
Michael and Jina sent me some of their beans to try and they certainly lived up to expectations.
Don't look for these at Coles or Woolies - find them at green grocers and speciality retailers (there's a list at the end) until the end of May RRP $4.99. If you fall in love with the taste of these beans (and I'm betting you will), freeze them in the pack for all round use.
For a list of stockists and sample recipes, visit www.ediblegems.com.au
I made this recipe and it's just delicious
Edible Gems Borlotti Bean, Cherry Tomato & Basil Salad
Ingredients
3 tablespoons of olive oil
1 large onion diced
2 clove garlic sliced
½ teaspoon fresh or dried chilli (optional)
1 potato, diced small
2 litre chicken stock or water
300 g pack Edible Gems Borlotti Beans
Salt and pepper to taste
Handful of chopped parsley
1 punnet cherry tomatoes quartered
Handful of fresh basil leaves
Instructions
Fry onion in olive oil until translucent. Add 1 garlic clove and stir through. Add potato, chicken stock, borlotti beans, parsley and pepper to taste. Cover beans with stock or water. Bring to boil, turn down heat to medium and cook for 20 minutes until tender. Add salt and stir through. Drain in colander, refrigerate or leave to cool at room temperature.
When ready to serve, place the beans in a bowl with sliced cherry tomatoes, basil, 1 clove sliced garlic, fresh sliced chilli (optional). Dress with olive oil and salt and pepper to taste and gently toss.
Serves 4.
I've also been told this recipe is a must as well - it's next on my list.
Edible Gems Borlotti Bean, Avocado and Eggplant Dip
Ingredients
300g pack of Edible Gems Borlotti Beans, cooked according to instructions on pack.
Mix with:
1 ripe avocado
1 small eggplant, peeled sliced and grilled
1 clove garlic
Juice of 1 small lemon
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh chopped parsley
Instructions
Place all ingredients in a food processor and blend.
Place in a bowl and serve as a dip with vegetables, bread or crackers.
Serves 4.
Tip - Easy Bruschetta
Cube avocado and eggplant. Add all the other ingredients, mix gently and place on top of your favourite toasted bread to make an easy and delicious bruschetta.
Here's where to buy the beans
BRISBANE
- All About Fruit, Shop 1/85 Merthyr Road, New Farm Ph: 07 3358 6344
- Top Spot Fruit Mart, Shop 24, PickNPay Hypermarket, Albany Creek Road, Aspley, Ph: 07 3863 1400
- Clayfield Markets Fresh, 823 Sandgate Road, Clayfield, Ph: 07 3262 8111
- Fresh Sensations, Shop 200, Westfield Chermside, Chermside , Ph: 07 3359 1157
- Fresh Sensations, 20 Capalaba Park Shop, Redland Bay Road, Capalaba , Ph: 07 3245 2596
- Lawnton Country Markets, 728 Gympie Road, Lawnton, Ph: 07 3205 2542
- Fancee Fruit & Deli, Carindale Shopping Center, Carindale , Ph: 07 3324 8800
- Robina Fruit Market, Robina Shopping Centre, Robina , Ph: 07 5575 8954
- Sam Coco’s Fresh Food Market, Coco’s Shopping Centre, Manchester Road, Carrara, Ph: 07 5579 9417