🌾 The Jewels of the Land: Potatoes, Legumes, and Grains of Upper Viterbo

Upper Viterbo is a generous land, crossed by fertile hills, windswept plateaus, and villages that have preserved the secrets of traditional farming for centuries.In this stretch of countryside between Lake Bolsena and Upper Tuscia, legumes and agricultural products are not only a source of nourishment—they are a living memory of a culture of food that is simple, genuine, and sustainable.

🥔 The Potato of Upper Viterbo

Grown in all the municipalities of the area, the Potato of Upper Viterbo is a symbol of local rural life. Whether white or yellow-fleshed, it holds its shape well when cooked and stars in traditional dishes like gnocchi, soups, and roasted potatoes with wild herbs.It’s always present at local food festivals, where its rich flavor tells the story of a land that endures.

🫘 The Purgatory Bean of Gradoli

Small, with a paper-thin skin and creamy texture, the Purgatory Bean takes its name from a traditional dish served on All Souls’ Day.Today, it's one of the most appreciated products of Tuscia—perfect in soups, side dishes, or stews. Each year in Gradoli, a festival celebrates it with the aroma of tradition in the air.

🌾 The Lentil of Onano

Rustic, resilient, and flavorful, the Lentil of Onano is considered one of Italy’s finest.Cultivated in volcanic and nutrient-poor soils, it has an intense taste and works beautifully in simple preparations, like the classic soup with onion, extra virgin olive oil, and toasted bread—a humble dish that warms the heart.

🌱 The Chickpea of the “Straight Furrow” (Valentano)

Ancient and nearly extinct, the Chickpea of the Straight Furrow is named after a famous farming festival that marks the beginning of the sowing season.Small, round, and flavorful, it is still grown today by a handful of passionate farmers defending its biodiversity.

🌾 The Spelt of Pungolo (Acquapendente)

Last but not least, the Spelt of Pungolo is a cereal of Etruscan origin, cultivated on the hillsides of Acquapendente.Used in soups, salads, and even desserts, it is rich in fiber—a true superfood ante litteram that combines flavor and health benefits.

🧺 In Conclusion

These products embody the agricultural identity of Upper Viterbo. Buying them in local shops or at farmers’ markets means supporting an economy based on respect for the land, biodiversity, and community.It’s an act of love for a land that still has so much to tell—and to offer.