The Protected Geographic Indication (I.G.P.) label of the "Fagiolo Cuneo" is given exclusively to the fruits of the following ecotype varieties of the runner bean (Phaseolus vulgaris and Phaseolus coccineus) and the other similar varieties produced with further genetic improvements effected:
·Ecotypes: Bagnasco White, Vedetta;
·Varieties: Billò, White Spagna, Stregonta, Bingo, Rossano, Barbarossa, Solista and Millenium.
Characteristics
Physical characteristics
- Colour:
- The colour of the grain flower must be, for the Billò, violet for the band and pink for the wings, for the Spagna Bianco and Bianco di Bagnasco, violet band and
pink-violet wings for the Borlotti group.
The colour of the grain must be, for the Billò, with brown-violet streaks against a cream background, for Spagna Bianco and Bianco di Bagnasco, with reddish-pink streaks
against a cream background for the Borlotti group.
The three types of dried beans IGP must not have colour alterations and such external appearance as to compromise the standard characteristics with a maximum
overall tolerance of 1.5% of impurities, that is, cracked, stained, weevily or altered in terms of coloration.
- Diameter:
- The minimum vertical and horizontal measurement of the grain cannot be lower than 9 mm and14 mm for the Billò, 13 mm and 20 mm for Spagna Bianco, 8 mm and14 mm
for Bianco di Bagnasco, and 9 mm and15 mm for the Borlotti group.
- Other features:
- Authorisation is furthermore given for a maximum percentage of 1.5 out of size dried beans. Maximum moisture of the bean is15%.
The types with a dent stage IGP have to be free from parasites or disease attacks with a maximum tolerance of 5% of product with visible alterations.
How it is made
The careful preparation of the soil before the sowing is an important condition that guarantees a successful crop cultivation. The sowing may be done manually but mechanical sowing with sowing machines would facilitate these operations on big plots.
The creeping bean needs supports (sticks to hold up the plants), sowing is done in deep furrows and each plant is at a certain distance from the other.
The fresh beans are gathered when they have completed the dent stage and is done manually, while the gathering of the dry beans is done when the plant has withered completely and is done with harvesting machines.
For the dent stage beans the pod is gathered whereas for the dry beans the beans itself of the pods are gathered.
History
Fagiolo Cuneo IGP has a strong reputation on the national territory in both commercial and consumption levels, as being highly esteemed and appreciated for its unique aspects: organoleptic, socio-economic and of historic culture. The traditional characteristics of cultivating this creeping vine were handed down from father to son, a type of cultivation that surely needed a lot of manpower and within the area of Cuneo it was exclusively family oriented. This example still exists today, and there are family reunions where the members of the same family, relatives and friends gather to help the host family in pulling out the bean plants of the "Billò" variety, drying them before threshing, sowing the seeds and planting the cane.
Even in this aspect there is a strong link between the producer and this type of cultivation technique inasmuch as the tradition of tying four bean canes together at the top to form a sort of indian teepee, is exclusively done only in the areas of Cuneo.
There is significant historical information regarding the marketing of the bean from Cuneo: since 1877, from the market bulletins of 1900, there had been mention of the marketing of white beans and other common varieties.
There is another significant fact that happened in the autumn of 1916: when it was known that the Fagiolo Cuneo IGP was often sold in other markets like Genoa and Venice, the head of the Municipal Police of Cuneo informed the mayor and the Municipal Council of the need to take urgent steps to limit the exportation of the bean outside the Province of Granada, to avoid increasing prices due to the scarsity of the product and objective concerns of the war.
Interesting features
Fagiolo Cuneo IGP has notable importance in the gastronomic sector. There are multiple recipes where it is considered the "prince" ingredient. Among these is the "bean vegetable soup," fundamental ingredients of which are garlic, lard, leeks, potatoes, chili peppers, oil, salt and the Fagiolo Cuneo IGP.
From the analysis of the bean from cuneo together with other types of Italian and foreign beans, the results show that the Fagiolo Cuneo IGP has a significantly higher percentage of protein and iron. This means that the soil and climate of Cuneo are strategically suitable to produce a bean with better characteristics.
Therefore we can deduce that the Fagiolo Cuneo IGP , rich in proterin and iron, has almost the same nutritional properties as meat products but has the advantage of low fat content and high levels of mineral salts. The particularly important food festival of St. Sereno in the district of San Rocco Castagnaretta at Cuneo, offers visitors the chance to taste local dishes that feature the famous Fagiolo Cuneo IGP.
Labelling
Fagiolo Cuneo IGP at the dent stage is released for consumption in specific plastic or carton packaging or in sealed packs (trays, cartons, bags and similar containers), or materials used for foodstuffs with a non-reusable warranty seal and capacity of 100 g and their multiple numbers. The obligatory labels on the packs must show, with clear and readable letters, the relevant information and citations of law requirements, and also the Fagiolo Cuneo IGP designation, besides the community logo.
The Fagiolo Cuneo IGP in the dry state can be repacked provided that the entity is registered in the specific register.
For the dry types gathered, it is the grain which has to be selected, cleaned and weighed, after which the product is packed.
All the aforesaid phases have to be performed in the Fagiolo Cuneo IGP production area, apart from the packaging which can be done in the entire EC territory. In this last case, however, it is obligatory for all entities involved in the production chain to be registered in the specific registry.
In every case, the label should bear the complete Fagiolo Cuneo IGP designation in addition to all the other indications required by law.
The use of additional indications is allowed and that refer exclusively to the names and companies of producers and packagers, in such a way as to not confuse consumers, whereas the name of the variety of the products is compulsory.
Reg.ne EU Reg.to CE 483 of 18/05/2011 GUCE of 20/5/2011
