Crop: Pisum sativum L. subsp. sativum var. arvense (Field pea)
‘Rättvik’ pea possibly dates back to the 1700’s. Carl Linnaeus visited the area in 1735 during his Iter Dalecarlicum and noted the frequent use of grey peas, both in cooking and as pea flour for baking crisp bread. In recent times, this landrace has been maintained within the same family for several generations.
Cultivation System: ND.
Geographical Information
Country: Sweden
In the area of Rättvik, province of Dalarna (South Central Sweden). No information is available as regards current growers, either concerning their distribution or their acreages.
Farmer(s) description:
The pea grows medium high with ‘bushy’ plants. Medium-late and extended flowering. The short and narrow pods ripen early, containing up to eight small seeds. Seeds usually greyish-green with blackish-blue dots, occasionally completely dark blue.
Propagation system: Seed, self-pollination
Multiplication procedures and consequences on landrace diversity:Grey pea ‘Rättvik’ is sowed early (April). Traditionally it was grown together with oats which supported the plants.
Management plan existence:‘Rättvik’ was registered 20 April 2010 on the Swedish official list of varieties as conservation variety. Registration is effective until 31 December 2020.
Added Values
Marketed under the trademark Green heritage®. Grey pea ‘Rättvik’ is being sold to consumers through the company Nordisk råvara nationally.
Others (e.g. commercial/geographical brands or special traits):Chefs have indicated a pronounced interest in grey pea ‘Rättvik’ due to its historical and gastronomic qualities. Rättvik’ was registered 20 April 2010 on the Swedish official list of varieties as conservation variety. Registration is effective until 31 December 2020. It is marketed under the under the trademark Green heritage®.
The interest among local growers and private gardeners seem to give sufficient support to its long-term conservation and maintenance.
Nordisk råvara should be contacted:
Case study prepared by Swedish Board of Agriculture (SBA), Sweden.
Most of updates have been communicated by Dr Jens Weibull (SBA).
ND.