Description
The Fassolia Gigantes Elefantes Prespon Florinas PGI is a bean belonging to the Papilionaceae family (leguminous plants) of the variety belonging to the species Phaseolus Coccineus or ?ultiflorus.
Production Area
The production area of the Fassolia Gigantes Elefantes Prespon Florinas PGI is in the region of Prespes in the Florina prefecture, specifically in the agricultural zones within the municipal areas of: Microlimni, Karyes, Lefkonas, Platy, Lemos, Aghios Germanos, Aghios Achilios, Vrontero and Kallithea. These are all adjoining agricultural areas, in the Western Macedonia region.
Production Method
Seeding takes place on an open field and harvesting is done manually at the end of summer. This procedure is done in different phases over several weeks, in order to allow the perfect ripening of all pods. The gathered pods are exposed to the sun for a complete drying process, which allows the extraction of the seeds. The collected seeds are spread out under the sun to reduce their humidity level, and are then sorted manually, eliminating foreign bodies, vegetable residues and seeds that are broken or not suitable for selling. The last stage foresees an accurate selection, a division based on grading, and packaging, all executed in the production area.
Appearance and Flavour
The Fassolia Gigantes Elefantes Prespon Florinas PGI is a legume big in size, kidney-shaped and white in colour. The beans achieve a weight surpassing 1.2 kg for 1000 seeds. It has a full and characteristic flavour, and good consistency.
History
The Fassolia Gigantes Elefantes Prespon Florinas PGI has been traditionally produced in the Prespes region for many years. This production is made possible by the area's microclimate, which is characterised by the vicinity of the two homonymous lakes of Megali Prespa and Micri Prespa, thus distinguishing itself from the rest of the Florina prefecture, which has a classic continental climate.
Gastronomy
The Fassolia Gigantes Elefantes Prespon Florinas PGI should be kept in a dry place under good hygienic conditions. This precious legume is consumed cooked, either baked or boiled. It is often used coupled with other vegetable products, onions, tomatoes, celery and carrots, seasoned with oil. It is also used by the canning industry.
Marketing
The product is sold as Fassolia Gigantes Elefantes Prespon Florinas PGI. It is marketed in containers of variable weight or loose by retail.
Distinctive Features
The organoleptic qualities of the Fassolia Gigantes Elefantes Prespon Florinas PGI derive from the nature of the soil: slightly alluvial, poor in calcium, with abundant low vegetation and plenty of water.
