Lenticchia di Castelluccio di Norcia

A protected geographical indication covering lentils of a local ecotype of Lens culinaris grown on the Castelluccio plateau in the municipalities of Norcia and Castel Sant'Angelo sul Nera, Umbria, at an average altitude of 1,400 m above sea level. The plants grow erect or semi-erect, bearing pods with one to three roundish flat seeds; 1,000 seeds weigh approximately 23 grams.

About this designation

Lenticchia di Castelluccio di Norcia was registered as a PGI on 13 June 1997 under file number PGI-IT-1557 (eAmbrosia identifier EUGI00000013336). The designation covers a local ecotype of lentil, Lens culinaris, whose plants grow erect or semi-erect to a height of 20 to 40 cm, with smooth stems and branches, small white flowers bearing blue markings on axillary flowerheads, and pods containing one to three roundish flat seeds; 1,000 seeds weigh about 23 grams. The geographical area is restricted to the Castelluccio plateau within the municipalities of Norcia and Castel Sant'Angelo sul Nera, at an average altitude of 1,400 m above sea level. The method of cultivation has remained unchanged over many centuries: ploughing and harrowing in early spring, sowing in mid-May, and rolling. Frequent rain and cold snaps in early autumn reduce the growing period, so that cutting and winnowing take place in August; stems are then left in the field and subsequently threshed on a floor. Maximum permitted production is 800 kg per hectare. Lentils must be put up for consumption in jute, cardboard, or plastic bags of 250 g, 500 g, or 1 kg, each container stating "Lenticchia di Castelluccio di Norcia - Indicazione Geografica Protetta". The inspection body is the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forest Resources, which may be assisted by a producers' consortium.

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

Distinctive facts

• Registered as a PGI on 13 June 1997 under file number PGI-IT-1557, eAmbrosia identifier EUGI00000013336.
• Production is confined to the Castelluccio plateau in the municipalities of Norcia and Castel Sant'Angelo sul Nera at an average altitude of 1,400 m above sea level.
• Maximum permitted yield is 800 kg per hectare; cutting and winnowing take place in August.
• Packaging is restricted to jute, cardboard, or plastic bags of 250 g, 500 g, or 1 kg, each labelled with the full protected name.

Tasting notes

Umbrian lentil from Castelluccio di Norcia plateau (Sibillini mountains), small distinctive multi-color lentil (mottled green-brown). Thin skin, delicate sweet-earthy flavor, tender quick-cooking texture, holds shape after cooking — Italy's most prized lentil.

HoReCa use

Lentils with Cotechino or Zampone are a traditional New Year's dish; the lentils are also used in Umbrian soups, pasta dishes, and preparations paired with truffle and Norcia salumi.

Packaging

• vacuum-pack-500g
• vacuum-pack-1kg
• gift-pack-300g
• professional-bulk-5kg