🌾 Heirloom Legumes: Onano Lentils and Purgatorio Beans

Ancient flavors, farming traditions, and devotional feasts from the hills of northern Lazio

Some ingredients carry more than taste—they carry history, memory, and identity.Among the most cherished treasures of the Tuscia region are the humble yet noble Onano Lentils and the delicate Purgatorio Beans of Gradoli.These aren’t just legumes: they are living traces of tradition, grown with care and pride, generation after generation.

🌱 Onano Lentils: tiny, papal, and flavorful

Onano Lentils are among the most prized in Italy.Tiny, thin-skinned, and rich in flavor, they require no soaking and cook quickly—ideal for modern kitchens, yet deeply rooted in the past.They’ve been cultivated since the Middle Ages on the volcanic soils between Onano and Acquapendente, and local lore claims they were once served at papal banquets during the Renaissance.

Their firm texture makes them perfect for rustic soups, warm salads, or simply dressed with Tuscia extra virgin olive oil and a bay leaf.

🍲 Purgatorio Beans: soft, white, and steeped in meaning

The Purgatorio Beans of Gradoli are tiny, white, and incredibly tender.They take their name from an ancient tradition: the "Purgatorio Lunch", held every Ash Wednesday, when the entire community gathers for a simple yet meaningful meal.In this context, the beans represent humility, remembrance, and spiritual renewal.

With their ultra-thin skin and buttery texture, they’re ideal for delicate side dishes, velvety purées, and refined vegetarian recipes.

🛒 Where to find them: authentic and local

To experience these heirloom legumes at their best, authenticity is key. Here’s where to find them:

📍 In Onano and Gradoli:

• Visit local farms and agricultural cooperatives

• Look for the protection consortia (consorzi di tutela) that guarantee traceability and quality

📍 In Viterbo:

• Stop by “Viterbo Mia”, a trusted shop on Via San Lorenzo, known for carrying certified local specialties

• Explore traditional food shops and delicatessens throughout the historic center

📦 Online:

• Many farms now offer direct shipping, including gift boxes and seasonal selections of legumes and cereals

🧡 Why choose them?

Choosing Onano Lentils or Purgatorio Beans means supporting sustainable agriculture, rooted in the landscape and respectful of tradition.It means nourishing yourself with genuine flavors tied to centuries of farming wisdom.

And each time you bring them to the table, you’re not just cooking—you’re telling the story of Tuscia.