Lenticchia di Castelluccio di Norcia (Castelluccio lentil)
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IGP Lenticchia di Castelluccio di Norcia is an Italian lentil of the local ecotype of lentils (Lens culinaris) growing erect or semi-erect to a height of 20 to 40 cm with smooth stems and branches, small, white flowers with blue markings on axillary flowerheads and pods bearing one to three roundish flat seeds. 1 000 seeds weigh about 23 grams.
Geographical area: Castelluccio plateau in the municipalities of Norcia and Castel Santangelo sul Nera at an average altitude of 1 400 m above sea level.
Proof of origin: The lentil is one of the oldest food plants known to man. A series of ecotypes of lentils has always been cultivated on the Castelluccio plateau. Their specific form, taste, colour and cultivation derive both from the particular area of production and from the traditional methods of cultivation used, which have not changed over centuries.
Method of production: The method of cultivation used has remained unchanged over very many centuries: ploughing and harrowing in early spring, sowing in mid-May and rolling Frequent rain and cold snaps in early autumn reduce the growing period so that cutting and winnowing take place in August. The stems are then left in the field and subsequently threshed on a floor. Maximum production permitted is 800 kg/ha.
Link: The characteristics of lentils from Castelluccio di Norcia depend on environmental conditions and the natural and human factors typical of the are of production, local ecotype of lentils (Lens culinaris)
Reference: The European Commission