"The procedure to obtain the Pgi mark started in 2002 and, once over, celery could become more and more popular, especially considering the micro-climate of the Fondi-Sperlonga plain, which contributes to the creation of a truly unique product."
White celery is aromatic, crunchy and has a long shelf-life. The first sowing is carried out in September, transplants are in November and harvesting is carried out in February and then until June. The only pause is in summer, as temperatures are too high.
"The first sowing was carried out near Fondi lake over 40 years ago. Growers only sowed the best plants and cultivated them following the moon phases, thus contributing to the birth of a truly excellent variety."
The Association is working hard to promote this product. "We took part in all of the main fairs in Cesena, Verona, Padua, Berlin and Paris with the objective of getting our celery especially in domestic and international retailers and H&R."
Growers keep logbooks, which are checked upon harvesting in order to carry out further tests to rule out the presence of chemicals. Of course, specifications must be followed also as regards packaging.
San Leone PO, among the main producers of white celery, has its own warehouse and processing lines. In addition to celery, the company also cultivates tomatoes (cherry, bunch and San Marzano), peppers (yellow, green and red), cucumbers, aubergines, beans (green beans and borlotti), lettuce, courgettes (round and Roman), basil, radishes and much more.
White celery is also available as ice cream at the "Da Fausto" restaurant in Sperlonga, which creates a variety of dishes with this vegetable.
Contacts:
Associazione sedano bianco di Sperlonga
Sede sociale e operativa:
Piazza Europa
04029 Sperlonga(Latina) - Italy
Stefano La Rocca
Cell.: (+39) 339 5253254
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.coopsanleone.it (website of the San Leone cooperative, one of the main white celery producers)