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The moco bean was documented in the Valle Bormida (in the area of southern Piedmont and northern Liguria) in the late 1800s through the mid-1900s (evidence until 1942), with cultivation widespread in many municipalities of the Valley, and, in particular, in Cairo Montenotte in the Basili and Citti areas, and in Cengio in the town of Rocchetta. In fact, among the sayings in use in the 1930-40s by the residents of Rocchetta was ‘cui ed rucchetta magia mochi’ (who lives in Rucchetta eats moco). The reference was clear; those from Rocchetta were called ‘mangia mochi’ (moco eaters) due to the widespread cultivation and consumption of this legume, abandoned after World War II.
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