Climate change, the growing focus on a sustainable food system and the recovery of biodiversity are directing scientific research towards the rediscovery of varieties of minor legumes with high nutritional value and rich in protein. Chickling vetch is a legume grown mainly for livestock feed and only partly for human consumption. It is able to grow on poor soils and in arid climates and is characterised by high resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses, a higher nitrogen fixation capacity than many other legumes and a high content of bioactive compounds.

In this context, the aim of a recent study, carried out by a group of Italian researchers (Torre et al., 2025), was to promote Aidone grass pea, an ancient variety from the Enna area (Sicily) that is neglected and little appreciated, by evaluating the techno-functional and nutritional characteristics of the flour obtained from the seeds and its potential use for the production of plant-based protein foods.

From the analysis of the nutritional profile and technological properties, this flour has a good protein content (22.9 g/100 g) and fibre content (7.8 g/100 g).

Bibliographical references: M. Torre et al., National Conference on Food Science and Technology, Bologna, 9–10 June 2025, 62.