The best lentils in Italy come from Castelluccio. The town of Castelluccio has an elevation of 4,800 feet and is one of the highest in the Umbria region. It overlooks two broad plains where these special lentils grow.
They are sown as the snow melts in April and May, and if you come to the area during June and July, you will see that the plants have sprouted flowers.
The harvest takes place at the end of July and the beginning of August. The plants are not very tall and much of the harvesting must be done by hand because the plants are too delicate to withstand the trampling of animals or blunt machines. A new and experimental threshing machine is now being used.
Cooperativa della Lenticchia di Castellucio
Via del Lavoro
Norcia
+(0743)-828-174 (fax)
Nearly 20 lentil growers from Castellucio have formed a cooperative and sell their lentils in Italy through their distributor, Natura Dist.
To visit a member of the cooperative, learn all about Castellucio’s special lentils, or purchase some from the source, contact Sante Coccia at the cooperative.
If you are visiting Norcia, you can sample Castelluccio lentils in the cuisine of:
Trattoria dal Francese
Via Riguardati, 16
+(0743)-816-290
This restaurant serves an all-truffle feast which anywhere else would be prohibitively expensive. You will probably sample a dish using the famous lentils of Castelluccio.
Closed: Friday (except in summer)
Closed: 10 days in June
Closed: 10 days in November
If you are visiting Perugia, you can purchase Castelluccio lentils at:
Giuliano Finetti’s shop sells the very special and rare organic lentils (lenticchie) from Castelluccio in 500 gram packages.
Giuliano Finetti
Via Danzelli, 1
+(075)-528-7790
Do you know of anywhere to buy Castelluccio lentils in the U.S. or by mail order from Italy? I am revising my book "The Bean Bible" and wish to include information about these lentils. I have been searching the internet but have found sources in the United Kingdom but not the U.S.
Aliza Green