superfood – Page 12

8.8.2019

In 2019 the municipalities of Mormanno, Laino Castello and Laino Borgo, in association, have decided to establish a special certification of origin of a local food, the so called “Poverello Bianco”, a white Bean, cultivated on the hills of Pollino. This certification is a Municipal Denomination (the so called “De.Co.”).

It is one of the few cases in which neighboring municipalities recognize a single De.Co.

The regional authority ARSAC contributed to this important recognition, offering the necessary collaboration to the three Municipalities with meetings between farmers, producers and sitributors, with the preparation of production disciplinary.

BOTANIC FEATURES

The white “Poverello” bean is a local ecotype of Phaseolus vulgaris L., which is cultivated in the territory of the Pollino National Park, in the irrigated areas of the three Municipalities of the Province of Cosenza.

Qualitatively it is characterized by a large oval-shaped white seed, without mottling, with a low percentage of integument and a reduced cooking time. It has a high protein content on average of about 26% and high values of sulfur proteins.

The cultivation of this bean, like all legumes, also has a great environmental value due to the type of root which, penetrating deeply, maintains a good soil structure also preserving it from erosion (such kind of soil protection in Calabria is highly recommended).

The roots also develop tubercles as a result of the symbiotic relationship with the bacteria of the genus Rhizobium, which are able to fix atmospheric gaseous nitrogen transforming it into nitric and ammoniacal forms easily assimilated by plants and providing a fair amount of nitrogen in the ground.

For these reasons, in crop rotations, the cultivation of the white poverello bean, like all legumes, is considered very useful to improve the physico-chemical conditions of the soil.

INITIATIVES TO RELAUNCH THIS PRECIOUS FOOD

Since the beginning of the 90s of the last century various initiatives have carried out to the aim of relaunching the white “Poverello” bean, determining a greater interest on the part of producers and consumers and a consequent increase in cultivated area.

The recent investigation in 2019, in order to ascertain the qualitative characterization of its crop, was conducted by the Agricultural Dissemination Center (Ce.D.A.) n. 2 of the ARSAC of Castrovillari (CS). In collaboration with prestigious research institutions such as the Institute of Biosciences and Bioresources of the CNR of Bari, and the CREA-Research Center for Horticulture in Pontecagnano (SA), the Mediterranean Unversity of Reggio Calabria, and the ENEA.

In all these years, as well as assisting the producers individually, the Technicians have carried out surveys on the agronomic technique, the defense against pests and the quality of the crop by publishing the data in prestigious national and international journals and in acts of conferences.

The experts even more recently has held seminars attended by young entrepreneurs and concerning both this ecotype and the typical and quality horticulture of the Pollino, leading to the establishment of a cooperative called “Pollino Food Experience“.

THE CULTIVAR

The sowing of this bean is carried out within the first half of June while the harvest takes place by October. As in the tradition, the cultivation technique excludes the use of synthetic chemicals. The product is sold both in bulk and in vacuum packs of 700 and 350 grams.

**Sight from the Pollino toward Maratea**

From an economic analysis of the cultivation of this ecotype of bean, it emerged that potentially on one hectare it is possible to obtain a production of about 13 quintals (equal to 1,300 kg) of dry product, which, at an average selling price of about 10 , 00 Euro per kg, would provide a Gross Salable Production (GSP) of about 13,000.00 Euro.

Considering that the explicit costs incurred for a production cycle are on average equal to 40% of the value of the GSP – and therefore of about € 5,200.00, a probable income of approximately € 8,000.00 per hectare is calculated.

An added value derives from the use of this bean together with other excellent Calabrian products in local restaurants.

In conclusion, in light of the described characteristics and the recognition of the De.Co, this excellent product of our territory, as well as contributing to the further affirmation of a low environmental impact agriculture and to the protection of biodiversity, also represents another opportunity of income for the younger generation.

18.4.2019

VEGAN & FASHION

Diamante is the largest open-air museum in Italy and among the largest in the world. The local fish specialties are excellent, such as the well known “rosamarina”, delicious fritters made with “bianchetto”, a very tiny young fish specimens.

However, today we are talking about any more delicious fritters of… “green alga” commonly called Sea Lettuce, typical of local cuisine in Diamante.

The alga, which has as botanical name Ulva Lactuca, is a sea lettuce, and among the algae is one of the best known species, it is the richest in chlorophyll and is the one that comes closest to terrestrial plants. It is very widespread throughout the Mediterranean, especially the Tyrrhenian side of Mediterranean sea.

THE INGREDIENT: ALGA OF DIAMANTE

The structure of this alga is lamellar and bi-stratified, translucent, thin with a maximum height of 30 cm and fixed to a helical shaped peduncle. It grows on substrates of rocky nature, from tidal areas up to a maximum of about 10 meters deep.

This kind of Alga in Diamante is a seaweed particularly rich in calcium (30 times more than milk), magnesium and minerals, essential substances for the body. It is a must of Vegan food and a beautiful element for dishes design.

The beautiful bright green leaf, although thin, is rather resistant. This makes it versatile in use, being able to be prepared directly raw but also cooked. Sea Lettuce has an intense aroma but an extremely delicate taste. It is suitable for preparing colorful salads, tasty toppings and to garnish any dish.

In Diamante, it is the main ingredient for preparing seaweed fritters or the so called sea “zeppole”.

Preparing by means of such zeppole a delicious appetizer or an aperitif is easy, the most common recipe is a kind of small fritter, made with a simple batter based on water, flour and brewer’s yeast, flavored with seaweed, fresh or dried.

THE RECIPE OF “ZEPPOLE” OF GREEN ALGA

Ingredients for about 20 fritters:

300 g of flour
250 g of water
12 g of yeast (half a cube)
2 sockets of salt
a handful of algae
3 teaspoons of sweet paprika
half a teaspoon of pepper
a pinch of nutmeg
2 tablespoons of chives
peanut oil for frying

To the general receipe can be added ingredients, such as paprika, pepper, nutmeg and chives, which give the fritters a more marked color and a stronger flavor. You, of course, can choose to not add such spices: they will be delicious anyway!

Preparation:

Pour the lukewarm water into a bowl, add the yeast and mix it until it is completely melted, add the sieved flour and mix with a whisk until you get a rather slow batter.
Put the algae (only if you have bought the dried algae) in a bowl with hot water, let them revive for 4-5 minutes, then squeeze and cut them into small pieces.

A QUICK LOOK AT DIAMANTE: THE LOCATION

Turning in the alleys of the seaside village, crossing the narrow streets and passing through the wide squares, the art strikes the eyes of the tourists, immediately. Namely, the walls down the streets are covered with fascinating murals, over 150 works of art painted on the walls of the historic center and of the Cirella hamlet, built starting from 1981 by painters and artists of international renown. The largest mural is found in the square in front of the town, it reaches 50 meters and tells the story of the town.

As soon as you enter the town, you will come across the Lungomare di Diamante, also called Lungomare nuovo, where you can take a pleasant walk enjoying the view of the Tyrrhenian Sea, while enjoying an ice cream or drinking a fresh granita, or you can stop in the ‘wide beach made of pebbles and pebbles, equipped with several bathing establishments.

Continuing towards the old part, you meet the second waterfront, called Lungomare vecchio, or “living room of Diamante”, from here you can observe the whole coast, which in the evening is illuminated by fishermen’s boats with their lamps. In the southern part of the promenade there is then a huge diamond made of stone, symbol of the city. The Beach “of the shark” (so called “spiaggia dello squalo”) is very popular and is located in the heart of the historic center. Although it is not very large, it is the most characteristic, as it allows you to enjoy a splendid view of the island called “Cirella” and of the old town, at the same time.

After so much sea, in a blink of an eye you pass to a green mountain landscape, thanks to La Valva Park, located along the last stretch of the valley where the Corvino river flows. Here it is possible to indulge in long walks, or picnics immersed in the greenery, but also stopping in the tennis courts, volleyball, bowling and soccer fields.

The renowned Chili Pepper Academy is also located in the park.

Come in Diamante, Calabria, and the Mediterranean seaside will welcome you, together with its wonderful diet, allowing you to taste that vegan jewel, so called “Zeppole” of Green Alga!

Tag: superfood

The Pollino White Bean

Fritters of Algae in Diamante