A classic Italian bean that is virtually impossible to buy fresh in the UK supermarkets.

• Borlotto lingua di fuoco (Borlotto Fire Tongue) is a classic Italian bean that is virtually impossible to buy fresh in the UK supermarkets making these an unusual addition to the dinner plate
• Easy to grow and heavy cropping, French beans will crop reliably during hot weather, unlike runner beans
• French beans give you two crops for the price of one: enjoy the pods when they’re young and tender, or leave them to dry on the plant for use as haricot beans
• Sow indoors from February for an early crop. Sow direct outdoors from April for a main crop. Harvest until the end of October