Fagiolina del Trasimeno
(Fagiolina, Trasimeno beans)
An Italian landrace variety from the Lake Trasimeno region in Umbria, Italy that has been grown since 2500 years ago. 1, 2, 3, 4 This cowpea was widely cultivated within the region until it nearly disappeared in the 1950’s. 1 During this time the inhabitants of Lake Trasimeno started to abandon country living. 1 At this same time, many farmers abandoned the traditional Fagiolina del Trasimeno in favour of more productive varieties that were easier to process. 1 Due to this the “Trasimeno bean” nearly went extinct.
A turning point began when the Fagiolina del Trasimeno was “rediscovered in the late 1990’s” in attic abandoned jars left by Fabio Berna’s grandparents. 4 Organic farmer Fabio Berna of Castiglione del Lago, together with a group of young farmers began to grow the seeds. 2 Their work and the efforts of Professor Valeria Negri at the University of Agraria of Perugia saved the Fagiolina del Trasimeno from extinction. 3 In 2000 the Fagiolina del Tradimeno was included in the Slow Food Presidia. 3 In 2002, the “Consorzio Fagiolina del Trasimeno” was founded “in order to protect and exercise active supervision over the production and trade of the product”. 3
This particular strains seed colours are burgundy, white, brown, and white with mustard brown spots. The majority of the seeds are white.
Days to Maturity: