55. Fagiolina of Arsoli

The cultivation of Fagiolina dates back to 1552, to the time of Pope Julius III, as is also testified by various documents, proverbs and popular songs. As the plant grows to a height of up to three and a half metres, support canes are currently used, but in the past, cultivation was symbiotic with maize, which acted as support. The plant requires a lot of water, but the abundance of springs in the Arsoli area make the soil moist and easy to cultivate. The legume is easily recognisable by its very thin skin and buttery texture. In Arsoli it is prepared in terracotta pots in the form of soup with ciciarchiole (homemade pasta squares) or stewed with stale bread, onions, extra virgin olive oil and black pepper.