The Fassolia Gigantes-Elefantes Kastorias PGI is a bean belonging to the Papilionaceae family (leguminous plants) of the variety belonging to the species Phaseolus Coccineus or Multiflorus.
Production Method
The bean seed harvest, which is done manually, starts in the first days of September. This procedure is done up to three times and extends up to three months, because the pods mature progressively. After that, the pods are exposed to the sun to favour the natural drying process, and also to be able to collect the seeds more easily, hitting them slightly. The seeds obtained are cleaned and spread out under the sun to reduce their humidity content, then they are manually sorted eliminating foreign bodies and defective seeds. The seeds are conditioned and after that selected, graded and packaged mechanically, using extremely modern machinery that consent grading and electronic control of the entire procedure.
Appearance and Flavour
The Fassolia Gigantes-Elefantes Kastorias PGI is a legume big in size, kidney-shaped and white in colour. The beans achieve a weight surpassing 1.2 kg for 1.000 seeds.
Production Area
The production area of the Fassolia Gigantes-Elefantes Kastorias PGI extends along the banks of the Aliakmon river and its tributaries, as well as in the areas equipped with irrigation networks in the Kastoria prefecture, in the region of West Macedonia.
History
The history of the Fassolia Gigantes-Elefantes Kastorias PGI dates back to the middle of the 16th century, when beans first had a significant importance in England, then in Spain and successively in Greece. There it was initially cultivated on plains, but given its physiological characteristics, the cultivation was transferred to the mountainous areas. One of these areas is the Kastoria territory, where a variety developed that is very appreciated by local consumers, becoming the component of a national dish.
Gastronomy
The Fassolia Gigantes-Elefantes Kastorias PGI should be kept in a clean place under good hygienic conditions, without particular care, given the product's resistance. They are consumed cooked, either baked or boiled, served with other vegetable products (oil, onions, tomatoes, celery, carrots), which complete the "Mediterranean character" of the dish.
Marketing
The product is sold as Fassolia Gigantes-Elefantes Kastorias PGI, differentiated in three size categories. It is marketed in polypropylene bags of ½ kg or 1 kg, which are placed in crates of 10 kg or 20 kg.
Distinctive Features
The excellent soil with good drainage, the ideal Mediterranean climate of the region, the first-rate cultivation techniques, the necessary abundant water supply and the altitude between 630 and 900 m, are all factors crucially influencing the production of the Fassolia Gigantes-Elefantes Kastorias PGI, lending it an exceptional quality.
