Ustica lentils – rich in properties and with interesting characteristics – are a precious Slow Food presidium whose cooking is quick and gives us healthy and invigorating recipes . But where to buy them ? From the sale in Palermo to the online one passing through the prices , here is all there is to know about the Ustica lentil.
Ustica lentils, properties and characteristics
These lentils - the smallest on the peninsula - grow on the volcanic island of Ustica. They are characterized by their dark color and green streaks. Their cultivation technique is completely manual and natural , so much so that it does not require the use of fertilizers or herbicides. They contain 252 calories per 100 grams and are characterized by 27.7% protein , but are low in fat. Ustica lentils are also rich in vitamins and minerals such as calcium, iron and potassium. Among the beneficial properties , they would help weight loss, lower cholesterol and blood pressure, and are excellent allies in pregnancy as a source of folic acid .
Cooking Ustica lentils
An excellent resource in the kitchen, cooking Ustica lentils does not differ much from that of lentils in general. Being rather tender, they cook in no more than 45 minutes, and do not need a preventive and long soaking . Specifically, they must be cooked in cold water which is slowly brought to a boil.
Lentil from Ustica, the recipes
Tasty and nutritious legumes, lentils are one of the most popular ingredients in the island's cuisine. Among the most popular recipes is the Ustica lentil soup , which is prepared with the addition of various types of vegetables that vary according to the season (tenerumi in summer, pumpkin or chard in winter) but with a base of onions, tomatoes , courgettes and wild fennel (or rosemary) for flavouring. Another unmissable dish is pasta and lentils, in which the pasta is made up, more often than not, of broken spaghetti. Obviously they lend themselves to making meatballs, vegetable burgers, particular hummus and stewed side dishes.
Slow Food Ustica lentils, where to buy them?
Ustica lentils are available both in physical stores, as we will see below, and online . On the web there are numerous possibilities to be able to buy them and receive them comfortably at home. Sicilyaddict , for example, offers them on its e-commerce.
Lentils from Ustica, for sale in Palermo
If you are wondering where to buy them, Ustica lentils can be found in numerous physical shops in Palermo, as well as in the rest of Italy, especially in shops specializing in typical regional products (Sicilian in this case).
