On a cliff of tuff between the Monti Volsini and the Lago de Bolsena sits the small village of Onano at an altitude of 510 metres. The community of 900 inhabitants is known among gourmets for its lentils, which thrive particularly well in the volcanic-sandy soil of the surrounding area.
Even the popes in Rome, 170 kilometres away, regularly had the legume delivered to the Vatican.

Nevertheless, the autochthonous variety fell into oblivion; only one producer still keeps seeds on hand for farmers today. A festival in honour of the lentil and its inclusion in the Ark of Good Taste are intended to preserve the Lenticchie di Onano.
The celebration takes place in August: with photo and art exhibitions, music and dance, a tombola - and of course with lentil dishes such as lentil dumplings, ravioli with sweet lentil filling or a classic hearty lentil soup.