The Lenticchia di Altamura IGP is one of Southern Italy’s most appreciated legumes, known for its high protein content, delicate flavor, and quick cooking time. While it takes its name from the Apulian town of Altamura, its cultivation also extends into neighboring Basilicata, particularly in the province of Matera, where it has become part of the region’s agricultural and culinary heritage.
These small, round lentils thrive in the fertile soils and temperate climate of the Murgia and Matera area, conditions that favor healthy, natural growth. Cultivated for centuries, they have always been a staple of the rural diet, valued for their nutritional richness and versatility in the kitchen.
With their thin skin and tender texture, Lenticchie di Altamura are ideal for soups, stews, and salads, but also lend themselves to more creative modern dishes. Today, they represent not only a healthy and authentic ingredient, but also a link between Basilicata and Puglia, two lands united by shared traditions and flavors.