In the regions of Kastoria and Prespes pulses have been grown since the end of the 17th century.
The altitude, the soil components and the abundance of waters combined with the micro-climate of the afore-mentioned regions create the perfect conditions for the growing of excellent quality pulses. The cultivation in regions close to lakes is especially favourable because of the atmospheric humidity. The secrets of this traditional cultivation pass from generation to generation. If you combine them with the safeguarding of the purity of the local variety and the personal work and devotion of growers, it becomes obvious why what is produced here amounts to some of the tastier –easy to boil and thin hulled- pulses in the world.
In Kastoria and in Prespes, the growers handle the soil mildly, letting it lie fallow frequently. The use of machinery is limited due the density of the planting, the volume and sensitivity of the plants, so the yield per 1000 square meters is small since the cultivation is not intense. At the same time, with their constant presence at the plantations and heavy manual work, growers secure the sanitary condition and proper development of plants.
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