Description
The Lentille Verte du Puy PDO is a lentil belonging to the group Lens Esculenta Moench, botanic variety Lens Esculenta Puyenis, variety Anicia.
Production Area
The production area of the Lentille Verte du Puy PDO includes two regions of the Haute-Loire department, the Puy area, at 600 and 800 m over sea level, where rain is poor and the volcanic highlands of the Velay between 900 and 1,000 m, ventilated, with rigid climate and specially dry, in the Auvergne region.
Production Method
The lentil must be cultivated next to barley and crops fields, as it has fertilization features. No fertilizers are needed for its cultivation, only some authorised herbicides can be used. Harvesting is carried out from the end of June to the end of September. Once they are collected, lentils are cleaned, treated and dried.
Appearance and Flavour
The Lentille Verte du Puy PDO has a diameter between 3.25 and 5.75 mm, it is marbled pale green with green/blue stripes, its skin is very thin, its pulp is not floury and favours quick cooking, its flavour is pleasant and characteristic.
History
The Lentille Verte du Puy PDO has ancient origins. The first written document about lentils in the Velay dates back to 1643 and its author is Antoine Jacmon, in the volume Mémoires pour l'histoire du Puy et du Velay. However, it is possible that lentils cultivation in Velay is even before that, and it dates back to the 11th and 13th century.
Gastronomy
The Lentille Verte du Puy is preserved for a long time once it has been treated and dried. The packaging indicates the product expiration date that is approximately two years from packaging, but it is always necessary to check that packaging is not damaged. Lentils are consumed cooked; they are usually washed and then immersed in salty water that is boiled slowly. Once they are boiled, they can be used to prepare creams and soups, together with other vegetables and rice, or with tomato sauce; as side-dish seasoned with onions and olive oil and cooked again to add some flavour. It can be combined with boiled meat and fish.
Marketing
The product is sold as Lentille Verte du Puy PDO. It is marketed dry and prepacked, in packages of fabric or other materials suitable to lentils weight from 250 gr to 1 kg.
Distinctive Features
The climate contributes to Lentille Verte du Puy PDO unique characteristics. In fact, specially low temperature, poor rain and dry and hot winds during ripening cause an intense water stress that provokes a premature and natural lentil dehydration.
