Faki Eglouvis

Faki Eglouvis is a dry lentil produced from a local unimproved landrace population (Lens culinaris) grown exclusively on the Englouvi plateau on the Ionian island of Lefkada, Greece. The seeds are small, with a diameter ranging from 2.8 to 6.0 mm and a weight of 26 to 30 grams per 1,000 seeds. The pericarp is variegated, with a characteristic proportion bearing black or dark stippling.

About this designation

Registered as a PDO under file number PDO-GR-02646, with EU protection dating from 11 November 2020, Faki Eglouvis covers the seeds of a local unimproved lentil landrace (Lens culinaris – Fabaceae) cultivated solely within the Municipal District of the village of Englouvi, located within the Municipal Unit of Karya in the Municipality of Lefkada, in the Regional Unit of Lefkada, in the Ionian Islands Region. The specification requires that all stages of production — from soil preparation, sowing, irrigation, fertiliser application, weeding, and plant protection through to harvesting, sorting, and collection of seeds for the following year — take place within this defined geographical area. The product must also be packaged within the cultivation area to guarantee origin and authenticity. Seeds are sold in packaging weights of up to 30 kg. Physically, the lentils are small-seeded, with a diameter of 2.8 to 6.0 mm and a 1,000-seed weight of 26 to 30 grams. Around 30 % of lentils carry black or dark stippling or patches, and around 4 % are entirely black — both features defined as characteristic of the designation. The specification records iron content of 100–200 mg/kg, potassium of 7,100–9,100 mg/kg, phosphorus of 2,200–3,800 mg/kg, and fat content over 1.7 %. The local population has been grown on the Englouvi plateau since at least the 18th century without cross-breeding with other varieties. The eAmbrosia identifier is EUGI00000017683.

Source: The register document this entry was written from · retrieved August 26, 2026

Distinctive facts

• Registered as a PDO on 11 November 2020 under file number PDO-GR-02646 (eAmbrosia identifier EUGI00000017683).
• The specification permits only a local unimproved landrace (Lens culinaris) grown on the Englouvi plateau; no other lentil variety or population is permitted.
• Around 30 % of seeds characteristically carry black or dark stippling or patches, and around 4 % are entirely black lentils.
• All production stages, including packaging, must take place within the defined geographical area to guarantee 100 % product authenticity.

Tasting notes

Greek lentil POPs — Eglouvi (Lefkada island) and Epirus. Small dark-brown lentils, firm texture, characteristic earthy flavor.

HoReCa use

When cooked, the lentils soften quickly and break up, producing a thick, smooth, soup-like consistency with a glossy, creamy appearance.

Packaging

• vacuum-pack-500g
• vacuum-pack-1kg