Crochet de Savoie
(Hooks of Savoy, Savoy Hooks)
(Pole) Crochet de Savoie is a French heirloom mangetout, from the department Savoie (English: ‘Savoy’). 1 It is particularly difficult to obtain seed for this variety due to its regional nature. 4 The farmers of this region save their own seeds for the next years planting. 4 Crochet de Savoie is currently considered endangered and at risk of extinction.
Due to the nature of the region of Savoy, it is plausible that Crochet de Savoie is of Italian origin. It is called ‘Hook of Savoy’ due to the hooked form of its green pods. This word is of the same origin for the artform ‘crochet’ (‘hook’).
Origin
Savoie is located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of Southeastern France. 1 Historically the departments of Savoie and Haute-Savoie, were the Duchy of Savoie (1416–1860) along with parts of western Italy and southwestern Switzerland. 1, 2 The Duchy of Savoie was in the territory of Savoy (“ducal Savoy” or “Savoy proper”) under the House of Savoy (the Italian royal family). 2, 3 In 1860, Western Savoy (and incidentally parts of the Duchy of Savoie) was ceded by Italy to France. 2
Days to Maturity: