It is a climbing legume, belonging to the botanical species Phaseolus vulgaris L., which in the area often reaches more than 5 metres in height.

If colour and tones, taste and size vary significantly (“piattellino of Sorana” is milky white-coloured with very pale pearly veins, it has a squashed shape and a delicate taste; the ecotype “antico rosso” (ancient red) of Sorana is slightly larger and cylindrical, it is wine-red with black veins and has a more rustic taste), however they have in common a smooth and thin skin, which is almost imperceptible after cooking, a tender heart of floury and very tasty pulp, a unique and unmistakable taste.