After the good season of 2013, Azienda agricola Valleri has decided to increase the areas destined to pumpkin cultivation.
Pumpkins are cultivated between May and autumn on 2 hectares of open fields equipped with supporting structures for the climber varieties.
"This year, production is two weeks early, but that's good as the rainy period we have had lately would have damaged everything," explains owner Stefano Valleri.
The company cultivates over 70 varieties such as for example Violina, Marina, Butternut and the so-called "spaghetti squash", ideal for coeliac people.
Once cooked, the flesh of the spaghetti squash becomes stringy, resembling spaghetti pasta. It can be cooked in many ways, but it is usually baked in the oven. Thanks to its rather neutral taste it can be used to substitute spaghetti pasta.
"Marina pumpkins are very good when cooked in the oven and are also ideal to make dumplings and risotto. Harvesting starts in mid-August and carries on throughout autumn. The weight can vary between 3 and 15 kilos."
"We package the product sliced in 500 gram trays. It is sold with the skin on, as peeling it after it is cooked is easier and produces less waste. In addition, the skin supports the flesh when in the oven and enhances its flavour."
"Last year, I decided to introduce more varieties because consumers are getting more interested, as they are also a good alternative to traditional produce."
The produce is mainly destined to domestic retailers under the "Prodotti del Parco" brand, supported by Coldiretti, Coop Consumatori Nordest and Parco turistico di Cavallino Treporti.
Loofahs will also be cultivated (photo above). The company peels, washes, removes the seeds and sundries them. They are real vegetable sponges that can be used for cosmetic purposes or to clean non-stick cookware.
Contacts:
Az. Agricola Valleri
Via del Vallone, 5
30010 Cavallino Treporti (VE)
Tel.: (+39) 041 5309581
Fax: (+39) 041 966812
Email: info@gliaromi.com
Web: www.gliaromi.com