Cicerchia

The cicerchia is a legume obtained from an annual herbaceous plant that grows also in the most difficult conditions, and is similar to the plant that produces chickpeas. This is a food that comes from the Middle East, known in Greek and Roman times. In Italy, there are about twenty species, but the production has been slowly reduced. The product has optimal nutritional properties, including a high content of proteins and starch, and a low fat content. Particularly flavourful, cicerchia is grown by La Bona Usanza in Serra de' Conti, in the hills of the Central Marche. This legume is a Slow Food presidium.