I LEGUMI - Prodotti Tipici del Parco Nazionale dei Monti Sibillini

LENTILS

The high plain of Castelluccio, 7 Km long and 3 Km wide, is an immense grassy, flowered meadow at an altitude of 1400 meters. The part of this area divided into “Pian Grande”, “Pian Piccolo” e “Pian perduto”, is cultivated by a few, mostly elderly, farmers, who specialize in lentil production. The lentil is an ancient legume that easily grows in high elevations and doesn’t require chemical treatments. Castelluccio lentils are small, of varying color from dull green to light brown, very tender and tasty and do not require soaking in water before cooking. A key ingredient in many local recipes, they are prized because they never lose their skins and cook up very well.

Cooperativa di Castelluccio di Norcia

Norcia (PG) - Frazione Castelluccio - Via della Bufera, 17 - Tel. 0743 821166

ROVEIA

Or Pisum Arvense, similar to the pea (but smaller and darker green), has always been cultivated only in Castelluccio di Norcia: sowed in March and harvested between the end of July and the beginning of August (like lentils). Although it has almost disappeared, this legume can still be found in local families’ vegetable gardens. Eaten with pasta or stone ground and made into an unusual flour called “farecchiata.” This is also the name of the type of polenta made from this flour, and having a very intense and slightly bitter flavour. The polenta is traditionally dressed with a mixture of finely chopped anchovies, garlic and extra-virgin olive oil, and is also excellent the following day, sliced and pan-grilled.

Cooperativa di Castelluccio di Norcia

Norcia (PG) - Frazione Castelluccio - Via della Bufera, 17 - Tel. 0743 821166