Chickpeas from La Valletta / 14.1 oz

Chickpeas aka garbanzo from La Valletta are incredibly rich, savory, and satisfying. Their petite size and firm texture add a delightful bite to every dish when cooked properly, setting them apart from most common garbanzo beans. Grown in Colfiorito, a magnificent plateau nestled in the heart of the Umbria-Marche Apennines, the legumes thrive at an elevation between 800 to 1000 meters above sea level in a terroir naturally rich in organic matter. The beans are vine-dried and harvested between June and July.

The dried chickpeas must be soaked for 12 hours or overnight, then simmered in water with aromatics until evenly cooked with a firm, yet creamy texture (about two hours).

For a traditional Umbrian dish, La Valletta recommends making a brothy soup of cooked chickpeas flavored with pancetta, sage, and tomato paste. Soak bread slices briefly in the rich bean broth, then top each piece with some beans, a sprinkle of pecorino cheese, and a drizzle of robust extra virgin olive oil.

Founded in 1985 by Antonio and Adriana Cappelletti, the La Valletta farm is located within a protected regional park in Colfiorito, a magnificent plateau nestled in the heart of the Umbria-Marche Apennines. Situated at elevations ranging from 800 to 1000 meters above sea level, Colfiorito’s unique terroir and microclimate provide optimal conditions for cultivating legumes.

Although Antonio and Adriana had envisioned a future for their children away from the hardships of farming, their son Alessandro developed a passion for working in the fields at a young age, while their daughter Rosalba found joy in meticulously packing bags of lentils by hand. As the siblings put it, “We came from the earth, and we remained attached to the earth. We are still trying to return the love and care in which we grew up.”

Today, three generations of the Cappelletti family are engaged in the company, with Alessandro and Rosalba leading the way. Using traditional agriculture methods that respect the earth and its resources, the farm now spans 150 cultivated hectares. La Valletta’s deep commitment to sustainability extends to their packaging, deliberately chosen to contribute to a plastic-free future.

Over time, “La Valletta” has evolved from the simple name of the Cappelletti family’s land to a brand synonymous with authentic, high-quality legumes.

Net wt. 14.1 oz/400g