Lentil of Mormanno
This is a small lentil, which can vary in colour from pink, to green or beige, probably of Middle Eastern and Asian origins. The lentil of Mormanno was believed to be lost until a few years ago. The technicians of the Regional Agency for Agricultural Development Services of Calabria (Arssa) have recovered a small amount of seeds from farmers that had kept them for their own consumption and has decided to promote the plant's re-cultivation.
The lentils used to be planted in marginal, less fertile, shallow areas, which were not intended for other crops more economically interesting such as wheat, barley, oats, corn and potatoes. They were sowed without any special care other than the occasional elimination of weeds. Nowadays, seeding is made following straight rows, for a better organisation during the harvesting process, but as before, no work with special treatments, herbicides or chemical fertilizers is done. The seeds are sown in April - there used to be an Autumn plantation in the past - while the harvest takes place in August when the plants are already dried in the field.
The lentil of Mormanno has been studied for a long time, based on its genetic characterisation and prior biochemical analysis. This data allows for a quick identification of the original seed, preventing counterfeiting. Cooking is fast: soaking isn't necessary and the lentils are made in thirty minutes.
