This year, a kilogram of authentic Smilyansk ripe beans costs BGN 18, bTV reported.
The harvest is of exceptional quality, but quantities are limited. Many of the producers already have a sales contract before the harvest is even fully finished.
Albena Hadzhieva has been growing Smilyan beans for nearly half a century. For her, this time-consuming activity is a hobby, a passion and additional funds for her pension. This year she grew 2.5 acres. The price per kilogram is now BGN 18.
“Everyone in the area grows beans – who for their own needs, who for the children, who for friends”, says the mayor of Smilyan village Chavdar Chervenkov.
Contrary to popular belief, broad beans are not just giant, but there is also a small variety that tastes better in soup. Albena Hadjieva also cooks with him.
This year the harvest is more modest because of the hot weather. “ For a long time we had temperatures of 38 degrees - the flowers fall and this reduces the harvest,” says the mayor of Smilyan.
„I am satisfied. The large bean was born, however, to the small one, as if it was not his year. It was born, but a little – it's not like any other time”, points out Albena Hadzhieva, producer of Smilyan beans.
The market is flooded with mint under the name “Smilian beans“ – they come from Albania, China and Serbia. The main difference with the original is the taste.
„The taste of our beans is more buttery and it cooks faster”, says Adreana Kehaiova, an employee of the community center in the village of Smilyan.
The Smilyan bean grows in only about seven settlements along the Arda river at an altitude between 820 and 875 meters.