About Lathyrus clymenum L.
Lathyrus clymenum, also known as Spanish vetchling, is a flowering plant belonging to the Fabaceae family, and it is native to the Mediterranean region. Its seeds are used to make a traditional Greek dish called fava santorinis. This plant is cultivated on the Greek island of Santorini, and it was recently added to the European Union's list of products with a Protected Designation of Origin. Residents of Santorini and nearby islands have cultivated this legume species for 3,500 years; in other areas, it is only known as a wild plant. The unique ecosystem formed by Santorini's volcanic explosions, including the volcanic ash, porous cellular soil, and the combination of sea-borne humidity and drought, gives this bean unique properties. When weather conditions are favorable, Santorini's farmers can harvest approximately 800 kilograms of beans per hectare. This is a vulnerable crop: strong winds can blow away its flowers before they can produce pods, drought or sudden heat waves can destroy it almost immediately. As a result, its production is limited, which makes it an expensive crop with a cultivation cost of €700 per acre. For consumers, the price is around €9–10 per kilogram.
