Fruit, vegetables and pulses

Altamura lentil

Altamura lentil PGI: a sweeter pulse from the Murgia plateau

Round, flat seeds of the Laird and Eston varieties, grown on the Murgia uplands of Puglia and across the border in Basilicata. Almost lost by the 1970s, the crop came back in the early 2000s as part of farm rotations. On the palate it is sweeter than many lentils, with herbal, aromatic notes.

• Two sizes: the large Laird at 5-7 mm and the smaller Eston
• Shades from green to brown, depending on ripeness when it is harvested
• Every stage, from seed to pack, takes place within the area of origin

How to enjoy it. Give it a slightly longer soak and simmer, then let it shine in soups, such as the local one with sausage and toasted Altamura bread. Stored somewhere cool and dry, it keeps for a long time.

Production areas

Apulia, Basilicata

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