Description
The Fava Santorinis PDO is a dried and decorticated broad bean from the Lathyrus clymenum L. species, a leguminous which is generally known as purpurin grass pea.
Production Area
The production area of Fava Santorinis PDO covers the islands of Santorini, Thiresia, Palea Kameni, Nea Kameni, Aspronisi, Christiani and Askania, in the region of southern Aegean Sea.
Production Method
The adaptation of the Lathyrus clymenum L. species to the climate of Greek islands was achieved thanks to the attentive selection of seeds made by the local farmers. In addition to sowing, the phases of harvesting and threshing are important to obtain a first quality product. After having harvested the broad beans, they have to be stored and protected from atmospheric agents in order to achieve the hardness level that allows facing the following working phases (decortication and packaging) without breaking up.
Appearance and Flavour
Fava Santorinis PDO is a round-shaped seed (a diameter of about 2 mm), flattened and light yellow in colour, with a maximum humidity level of 13%. The flavour of the cooked product is lightly sweet.
History
The product boasts very ancient origins and the plant, from which it comes, seems to have been cropped in the production area for over 3600 years. Archaeological findings going back to the ... century B.C. confirm the presence of seeds from the Lathyrus clymenum L. species in the island of Santorini, inside a place which was probably used as a warehouse. Plus, some references to these legumes can be found in many tragedies; despite the word ???? was linked for the first time to the famous Greek dish only in a book by Dioscoridis from the 2nd century A.D. The highest reputation was achieved around the middle of 1800, when it was mentioned at the fourth place amongst the traditional products of Santorini.
Gastronomy
Fava Santorinis PDO has to be stored in a cool and dry place. It has to be eaten after cooking in boiling water. Famous in the entire country, it is the main ingredient of lots of Greek cuisine dishes. When mashed, Fave Santorinis PDO are combined perfectly with vegetables and fish, olives and aromatic herbs.
Marketing
The product is sold as Fava Santorinis PDO.
Distinctive Features
La Fava Santorinis PDO, thanks to the small sized seeds and the high content in carbohydrates, can be quickly cooked in a little water obtaining a spongy consistency and a flavour which is less bitterish than the other types.
