Lentil of Altamura P.G.I. - Lenticchia di Altamura

Protected Geographical Indication

The Lentil of Altamura P.G.I. is generated and grows in an area between Puglia and Basilicata a small legume absolutely unique in its organoleptic characteristics.

From the seed to the green seedling. Then the white-glaucous flowers, then the fruit: the lentil./span>

The Protected Geographical Indication designates as dry lentils of Altamura the grain that has a color ranging from different shades of green to those of brown, with a flattened shape that, depending on its size, will be identified as large or small.

The Lentil of Altamura has peculiar characteristics compared to other lentils. In fact it has an excellent consistency and a high content of iron and protein, ease of cooking and above all a unique fragrance and flavor, conferred by the land of origin and difficult to find elsewhere.

This demonstrates the importance of the pedoclimatic vocation of the area of Altamura, of Alta Murgia, of the entire pre-murgian pit that embraces Matera and the karst territory of the ravines. Most of the lentil cultivation lands falls within the splendid Alta Murgia National Park.

Furthermore, each phase of the production process, starting from the product to be used for sowing, to the post-production cleaning process up to the packaging, must be monitored and carried out within the territory to which it belongs, precisely to guarantee quality and excellence of the whole process and especially of the final product, the Lentil of Altamura P.G.I.

On December 19, 2017, the Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Policies announced that the Implementing Regulation was published in the Official Journal of the European Union with the entry of the name Lentil of Altamura in the European register of protected geographical indications.

The lentil will be produced not only in the countryside of Altamura as its name suggests, but in the whole area of the Apulia- Lucan region which includes the towns of Altamura, Andria, Banzi, Cassano delle Murge, Corato, Forenza, Genzano di Lucania, Gravina in Puglia, Irsina, Matera, Minervino Murge, Montemilone, Palazzao San Gervasio, Poggiorsini, Ruvo di Puglia, Santeramo in Colle, Spinazzola, Tolve, Tricarico.

The history

1930

Commercial Ascent

From a simple product of the family agricultural economy, the Altamura lentil will begin an export route, which in a few years will take it to the most important national and international markets.

1970

Industrialization

The escape of labor from the countryside, the lack of mechanization, the importation of low-cost lentils, the monoculture of wheat on wheat pushed by a myopic common agricultural policy, have determined its disappearance.

2007

Rebirth

In 2007 registration was obtained on the National list of Traditional Agri-food Products, and in 2013 the Collective Mark was filed to protect the consumer on quality, techniques and the place of production.

2014

Group constitution

A group of 50 farmers constitutes a cultural association with the sole purpose of working to obtain the recognition of the PGI.

2017

Protected geographical indication

A process has been launched that led to the establishment of the “Altamura” lentil variety, the same one that obtained the protected geographical indication in 2017.

2019

Recognition of the consortium

The Mipaaft instructs the Consortium for the Protection of the Lentil of Altamura P.G.I. to perform the functions of protection, promotion, enhancement, consumer information and general care of the Protected Geographical Indication.

Average nutritional values

for 100g of product

25%
Protein

8%
Fibers

6%
Iron

2%
Fat

Rich in fiber, mineral salts, vitamins and low in fat, lentils have been considered, since ancient times, the meat of the poor. The high fiber content makes them very important and useful for the functioning of the intestinal system and to keep the cholesterol level under control.

They are very indicated in the prevention of arteriosclerosis because the few fats contained in them are unsaturated. But that’s not all: lentils also contain isoflavones, substances that “cleanse” the body. Experts advise to consume them mainly by virtue of their antioxidant properties that act positively on the pollutants to which we are all subject.

Lentils are also very rich in thiamine, useful for improving memorization processes, while the consistent content of vitamin PP acts as a powerful balancer of the nervous system, with antidepressant and antipsychotic action. Finally, they are very suitable for all those who need iron.