Black Sicilian Garbanzo, Bean (Cicer arietinum)
Italy

Lane Selman, founder of the Culinary Breeding Network, found these beans at a seed and herb shop in the Ortigia Market in Siracusa, Sicily and brought them home for Adaptive Seeds. Garbanzo beans are also known as chickpeas or ceci in Italian. This Black Sicilian variation, ceci neri, has a flavor that is earthier and more herbaceous than the common tan types. They can be used in any recipe that calls for garbanzo beans, although you will need to cook them longer. In Italy they are often cooked with pasta or added to soups.