"We started the Verdello lemon campaign on 20th June. Volumes are 20% less than last year and quality is good. Currently prices are quite high," explained Giovanni D'Agati (in the photo), chairman of the "Il Tardivo di Ciaculli" consortium.According to D'Agati, retailers started getting interested in this rather particular citrus fruit. "Lemons will be available from June to October 2014. We mainly supply supermarket chains like Esselunga, Coop, Conad, Eataly and Ortobra."
Verdello lemons are also called "summer lemons", as they are the only ones harvested in summer. They are really green and have a strong aroma. They are produced using a special technique known as "forcing", which leads to an extraordinary blossoming in summer.
Giovanni D'Aagati says that "we prefer to process the fruit without adding chemicals during the post-harvesting phase, so consumers can use the peel too. Despite the fact that Verdello lemons are less juicy than Primofiore, a few drops are enough, thanks to their wonderful perfume. In addition, their peel, which is rich in essential oils, is perfect for many dishes. What is more, I would like to say that Argentinian lemons reach our markets after 15 days of navigation, so chemicals are used to prevent the fruit from rotting."
The Consortium also started harvesting canary yellow melons, which are doing particularly good, so much so that the cultivated areas have been increased. "We are expecting to produce 1,500 tons of Giorillo and Helios this year."
These melons are also known as "winter melons" because they can be stored until January. They are medium-size and their rind is pretty tough. The flesh is white-yellowish (in fact it is also called white melon) and they are sweet and rich in water.
"We will also start to sell Purceddu green melons as of this year," concludes D'Agati.
Contacts:Giovanni D'Agati - Chairman
Consorzio "Il Tardivo di Ciaculli"
Cell.: +39 339 2614123
Email: dagati@tardivodiciaculli.it
Web: www.tardivodiciaculli.net