Parco Nazionale del Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga

History
The cultivation of barley began during the Neolithic Age in the Near East. The most ancient evidences date back to 10,000 BC. In 5,000 BC it had already spread in Central Europe. The ancient practice to administer it to the sick persons for its easy digestibility is also documented by archaeological finds discovered around the ancient Fucino Lake. The use of barley flour to prepare a particular kind of gnocchi in the area of L'Aquila (known as sorgetti) is documented for the 19th century. Barley flour was also used to make bread. Currently, it is used to prepare soups, although its cultivation is more linked to livestock feeding.
The name of this ancient variety derives from the fact that it ripens in May.