Protecting an ancient tradition: purple carrots from Viterbo

Rome – A long time ago, carrots were white or purple, until Dutch growers modified their color into orange in XVII century, in order to honour the dynasty d’Orange. In Italy, the carrot from the town Viterbo (Latium region) was a famous purple carrot. It was a precious ingredient for many recipes and it was often present on the tables of kings and popes. The most ancient recipe mentioning the purple carrot from Viterbo dates 1827, but some other documents prove that this carrot was known since XV century and it is said that purple carrots was a main dish for Etruscans as well.

The seed of the carrot from Viterbo was almost extinct when 15 years ago Massimiliano Poli, a local agronomist, decided to preserve it in his family’s orchard. He explains: “It is very easy for this carrot to lose its purple color. This modification may occur because of the presence of orange carrots within a radius of 600-800 meter. Some new hybrids of purple carrots have been patented in other countries, such for example in UK, where you can find the varieties Purple Haze and Betasweet. Our local carrot cannot be registered because it is a natural variety, so I decided to protect it by asking for a European hallmark, such as PDO (protected designation of origin) or PGI (protected geographical indication). My aim is that to launch this carrot again, as a typical product we cannot just leave behind in the past.”

Purple carrots, which are sweeter than orange ones, are sown in March and harvested in July and Augustus. The original recipe from Viterbo consisted in cutting the purple carrot after cooking them briefly. The carrots were then dried under the sun and eventually soaked in a sauce made by vinegar, sugar and spices.

Massimiliano Poli showing some purple carrots

Contact:
Studio Agronomico Forestale Poli&Cionci
Via Pacinotti 5
01100 Viterbo
Pone.: +39 0761 092669
Fax: +39 0761 091631
Mobile: +39 328 7168562
Massimiliano Poli

Publication date: January 31 2007
Author: Rossella Gigli
Copyright: www.freshplaza.com