Cicerchia Marchigiana (Lathyrus sativus)

Cicerchia (Lathyrus sativus): This legume is original from Asia but naturalized Italian by now because it is present in traditional dishes. It's the most rustic of legumes since it grows where others can’t.

It has no soil demands and can be grown in arid conditions. Like all legumes, it is rich in protein, and after a good soak it can be cooked like any other bean.

The only drawback: it contains a neurotoxin that can be harmful if over-eaten, we mean large amounts, of course.

Its cultivation is in constant decline; therefore,its diffusion is particularly important to us.

1. Very low: no need for irrigation
2. Low: also suitable for hot and arid areas, irrigate only in case of prolonged drought
3. Reduced: this variety is amongst the leas demanding of its species, hence it is highly suitable for areas with sporadic rainfall, to be irrigated only in case of prolonged droughts
4. Tolerant to water stress: it needs moderate irrigation, suitable for gardens with low water consumption.

We are currently creating a guide for this kind of cultivation, unfortunately, until the guide is published, this is only an overall indication that we can provide without causing confusion about the process. Dry farming, in fact, requires cultivation techniques suitable for the specific  pedoclimate and substrate. All of the varieties included in this category have been acclimatized in Italy.