Saluggia Bean
Definition
The bean is the seed of a leguminous plant, annual herbaceous plant imported from South America after the discovery of the New World.
For the people of Central and South America, the vegetable proteins obtained from beans and other leguminous plants like soja are still the main - and sometimes the one and only - source of proteins.
Also in Italy the cultivation of beans have been successful, especially among the poorest groups of people and in periods of economic crisis, above all in Central-Southern Italy. Today, the cultivation of beans is widespread in the regions of Piemonte, Veneto, Campania, and Lazio. In Piemonte there are large cultivated areas in the surroundings of Fossano, while in Saluggia the cultivation of beans is more localized, but of great quality.
The bean variety cultivated in Saluggia is the result of a series of factors: the selections carried out over the years, the climate, and the soil features distinguish Saluggia bean from products obtained from similar cultivars.
- Production Area: Traditionally, Saluggia bean is cultivated in the territory of the Municipality of Saluggia and in small allotments situated in the nearby Municipalities of Livorno Ferraris, Cigliano, and Crescentino, whose lands have similar soil features. The production of this legume is currently very expensive, because it is not possible to mechanize the cultivation. However, the bean is still produced in remarkable quantities.
- History: The presence and cultivation of the bean in Saluggia dates back to the 16th century and has been documented by local historical research activities.
- Legislative Protection: Saluggia bean is classified among the "Traditional Agri-foodstuffs of Regione Piemonte", according to art. 8 of the Legislative Decree 30th April 1998, n. 173 and the Annex to the Decisions of the Regional Council 15th April 2002 n. 46-5823.
- Consorzio di Tutela del Fagiolo di Saluggia: legal offices at Saluggia Town Hall; administrative offices in Cascina Tenimento 3, 13040 Saluggia - Tel. 0161486253 - Fax 0161486373.
