Description
Fasola Piekny Jas z Doliny Dunajca PDO refers to the dry seeds of the Polish Jas Karlowy variety of runner bean belonging to the Phaseolus coccineus species.
Production Area
The production area of Fasola Piekny Jas z Doliny Dunajca PDO includes 11 municipalities in the Dunajec river valley, in Malopolskie Voivodship.
Production Method
The Fasola Piekny Jas z Doliny Dunajca PDO plantations are located at a relatively low level, protecting the fields from the wind. Only the skilled handling of the whole production process - which is based on local traditional methods and mostly carried out manually - can ensure a good and balanced bean crop with high seed quality. As the timely execution of each task depends on the weather conditions in the year in question, the skills of local producers play a significant part in the successful cultivation of this runner bean. Particular care must be taken in the following stages: the reproducing of seed on a farmer's own holding; choosing the appropriate time for sowing in order to prevent losses as a result of freezing; preparing the soil for sowing; placing the correct number of seeds (3 to 5) in an individual hole in the soil; selecting the right canes and the method of training the beans on them; choosing the best moment for cutting the plants in order to let the beans dry before the first frost. The beans are dried naturally in the sun without forcing or accelerating the process. The fresh green runner beans are in season in summer.
Appearance and Flavour
Fasola Piekny Jas z Doliny Dunajca PDO dry bean seeds are oval with a uniform kidney shape and laterally flattened. They are white in colour and have a smooth glossy germ tegument which is free from impurities or damage caused by insects. They have a characteristic smell of well-dried bean seeds and a delicate, mild and slightly sweet taste.
History
In Polish, the name Piekny Jas means "giants" and in fact, it is the one of the largest beans in the runner bean family. This runner bean was first grown in the Dunajec, Raba and Vistula areas, and, by the end of the XIX century, it was known throughout Poland. As evidence of the long history of this bean variety in the Dunajec Valley, there is an account in the parish records of the village of Tropie of a murder resulting from the theft of beanpoles.The Piekny Jas plantations have now become a permanent element of the Dunajec Valley landscape. In its various forms this bean is an important ingredient of the regional cuisine and there are also festivals promoting this vegetable, such as the "Bean Festival" and the "Bean Harvest". Bean growing now accounts for a major share of local farm incomes.
Gastronomy
Fasola Piekny Jas z Doliny Dunajca PDO beans should be kept in dry place, away from heat sources. Before cooking, they must be soaked in water for several hours, after which they can be fried, oven-baked or boiled. They are traditionally used in stews and soups, or as a side dish, fried with bacon, onions and lots of butter.
Marketing
The product is marketed as Fasola Piekny Jas z Doliny Dunajca PDO and is available all year round. It is sold in suitable packaging of various dimensions.
Distinctive Features
Fasola Piekny Jas z Doliny Dunajca PDO beans have on average 80 mg/kg higher magnesium content than beans from outside the geographical area. They are also distinguished by their short cooking time: at least 10 minutes less than other beans.
