Description
The Bruna Bönor från Öland PGI are dried seeds from the Phaseolus vulgaris L. species, in the Bonita, Karin, Katja and Stella I varieties.
Production Area
The production area of Bruna Bönor från Öland PGI covers the municipal areas of Mörbylånga and Borgholm on the Island of Öland, in the county of Kalmar.
Production Method
Sowing has to be made - after appropriate ploughing and harrowing - when the ground temperature is not lower than 10°C, because this variety of beans suffers from frost during germination. Therefore the best period is between mid May and mid June. Plus, the rotation of cultivations is advised in the grounds for the crop of beans, as they have to be cultivated every 4-5 years. Harvesting takes place generally from September up to the beginning of October, and the following drying phases takes place in the field - either on the ground or on the plants - supported by stakes or lattices or with the support of suitable driers. At the end of the production process the beans have a water content of 9%.
Appearance and Flavour
Bruna Bönor från Öland PGI are short beans, oval or elliptic in shape, uniform yellow-brown in colour, with a variable intensity depending on the variety. The aroma of all varieties is lightly bitter-sweet with hints of boiled potato, whilst the flavour is delicate. The single varieties are distinguished due to their consistency. The Karin bean is very floury and easy to flake during cooking (in a score from 1 to 10, it is at level 10). The Bonita bean is a bit more consistent, but tends to flake during cooking too (level 8). On the contrary, the Katja variety is the strongest and less floury (level 2 of score). Finally, Stella I has a structure of medium compactness (level 7 of score).
History
The brown beans have been cultivated in the Island of Öland since 1883, as confirmed by some written documents and then they have soon acquired an important role in the economic-commercial sector with a very good reputation supported by the many prizes won in national and international competitions. Plus, every year some festivals are dedicated to Bruna Bönor från Öland PGI: "The feast of harvesting" and "The day of the brown bean" both still express the strong will to promote and enhance this product.
Gastronomy
Bruna Bönor från Öland PGI has to be stored in a cool and dry place, protected from heat sources and direct light. It is eaten after cooking, as it is a dried product. They can be used to prepare soups, first courses or better creams, since they have a very soft consistency. In addition to hot dishes, they can be used for vegetable salads; in particular they are very good combined with winter vegetables, such as cabbages and turnips.
Marketing
The product is sold only as Bruna Bönor från Öland PGI.
Distinctive Features
The only varieties of brown beans used to produce Bruna Bönor från Öland PGI are cropped in the production area which has the ideal weather conditions to obtain high quality seeds: early spring, scarce rainfalls, mild autumn and many hours of sun.
