Scarlet Emperor, you are the king of beans You grace the garden with your bright red flowers You climb the trellis with your twining vines You offer us your pods of tender green
Scarlet Emperor, you are easy to grow You need a sunny spot and fertile soil You like to be watered and mulched well You don't mind pests or diseases much
Scarlet Emperor, you are versatile to use You can be eaten young or mature You can be cooked or dried or frozen You can be paired with tomatoes or herbs
Scarlet Emperor, you are delicious to taste You have a nutty flavor and a firm texture You can be boiled, steamed, or fried You can be added to salads, soups, or stews
Scarlet Emperor, you are a wonder of nature You are a perennial in warm climates You have edible roots and flowers too You are a source of protein and fiber
Scarlet Emperor, you are a joy to behold You are a runner bean of many virtues You deserve a poem of praise and gratitude You are a gift from the earth to us
To cultivate, harvest, and cook Scarlet Emperor runner beans the traditional English way, you can follow these steps:
- Sow the seeds in late spring or early summer, about 2 inches deep and 6 inches apart, in rows that are 2 feet apart. You can also start them indoors and transplant them outside after the last frost. - Provide a sturdy support for the vines to climb, such as bamboo canes, poles, or trellis. Tie the vines loosely if needed. - Keep the soil moist but well-drained, and apply organic mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds. You can also add some compost or manure to enrich the soil. - Pinch out the growing tips when the vines reach the top of the support, to encourage more flowering and pod formation. - Harvest the pods when they are young and tender, about 8 inches long. Pick them regularly to prolong the cropping season. You can also leave some pods to mature and dry on the vine for later use. - To cook the pods, trim off the ends and remove any strings. Cut them into bite-sized pieces and boil them in salted water for about 5 minutes, until just tender. Drain and serve with butter or your favorite sauce. You can also steam, fry, or roast them for more flavor.
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