Fasole wrzawska: A protected regional bean from Podkarpacie

Fasola wrzawska, a local variety of the Piękny Jaś bean, is a regional specialty from the Podkarpacie region in Poland. Since 2012, it has held the European Union’s Protected Designation of Origin status, meaning it can only be grown in specific areas including the municipalities of Gorzyce, Zaleszany, and Radomyśl nad Sanem.

The bean is cultivated on fertile river silt in the confluence of the Vistula and San rivers, where the microclimate provides high humidity, ample sunlight, and protection from strong winds. Its unique growing conditions and manual harvesting methods result in a product that cooks approximately 10 minutes faster than similar varieties.

Nutritionally, Fasole wrzawska is noted for its high potassium content, providing more potassium per 100g of dry product than bananas. It is also a significant source of plant protein, fiber, magnesium, and folate. The beans are characterized by large, kidney-shaped seeds, a thin skin, and a creamy texture after cooking.