Description
The Garbanzo de Fuentesaúco PGI is a chickpea of the Cicer arietinum L. species, of the Macrocarpum variety, ecotype Fuentesaúco.
Production Area
Garbanzo de Fuentesaúco PGI is produced in many municipal areasin the district of Zamora, in the Autonomous Community of Castilla y León.
Production Method
Cultivation is carried out with the rotation of crops, the ground must have good drainage and organic fertilizers are not used during the cultivation period. The chickpeas are harvested when the plant is completely dry; they undergo the husking process and the removal of any foreign bodies. They are then selected, weighed, and conditioned in dry places, far from sunlight and finally packed. Selling must take place by September of the second year. They can also be worked on, soaking them for at least 8 hours, and then cooked and vacuum-sealed.
Appearance and Flavour
The Garbanzo de Fuentesaúco PGI is characterised by a curved top, it can be of a creamy colour or pale-yellow, white or brown. The external husk is without marks, it is thin and of a medium roughness. It is medium to large in size. After cooking, the albumen becomes doughy, slightly grainy and the peel becomes soft.
History
The origins of Garbanzo de Fuentesaúco PGI go back to about the 15th century; in that period it enjoyed of a royal protection and was often eaten at the court. There are many historical attestations such as a municipal writ from 1569, the Madrid Chickpea award at the exhibition of agriculture in 1857 where it won the prize of honour.
Gastronomy
The Garbanzo de Fuentesaúco PGI should be kept in dry places, protected from sunlight. The legume is normally cooked in water, given its ability for absorption. After cooking the core of the Garbanzo de Fuentesaúco PGI becomes doughy and the peel soft. It can be used as a main ingredient in a salad together with dried salted cod. It can also be used to make soups.
Marketing
The product is sold as Garbanzo de Fuentesaúco PGI. It is sold dried and not after September of the second year. It is packed in bags of 1.2 and 5 kg.
Distinctive Features
The severe climatic conditions and the deep soils give Garbanzo de Fuentesaúco PGI its characteristic qualities.
