Parco del Monte Cucco

It is a leguminous plant whose botanical name derives from its lens-like shape.
It is probably the most ancient legume, already mentioned in the Bible. The plant resists very well to the cold and its biological cycle goes from April (sowing) to July/August (harvesting).
It contains almost the same quantity of proteins than meat, a very few fats, a lot of fibers and mineral salts (sodium, potassium, iron, and calcium), and vitamins, above all group B vitamins. It is used to prepare soups, alone or together with cooked sausages. According to the tradition, it is a good sign for money incomes if eaten during New Year's Eve dinner.