We could define L'Orto di Nonno Nino, a company located just a stone's throw from Palermo, as a tropical oasis in the middle of the Mediterranean basin. It grows "Sicilian organic exotic fruits" such as papayas (25 tons), mangoes (3 tons), Cavendish bananas (4 tons), mini bananas, plantain, passion fruit, sugarcane, limes, star fruit, sapote, pitanga, lychees, guavas, dragon fruit, tamarind, black sapote, soursop and, recently, even coffee.
Rosolino and Benedetto Palazzolo
They only own a few dozen plants for each product except for papayas, mangoes, bananas and coffee, yet quantities are not bad, especially if combined with the production of more traditional fruit and vegetables.
Avocados and papayas from "L'Orto di Nonno Nino"
The company is managed by Benedetto and Rosolino Palazzolo, which grow organic and agricultural-homeopathic products on 11,000 sq m of greenhouses, 6 hectares of open fields, 5 hectares of citrus groves and 2 hectares of mixed orchards in Terrasini (PA), where their father Antonino Palazzolo established the company in the 1970s.
The started employing organic cultivation techniques in 1994. L'Orto di Nonno Nino is a family business aiming to respect nature and guarantee the balance of flora, fauna and water resources.
Since 2012, the core business has been tropical fruit grown in greenhouses. Their hard work earned them the "Best in Sicily" prize in 2017.
Papaya on a tree near Terrasini (PA). The company grows around 20 different varieties
"Our fruit has extraordinary organoleptic qualities and, most of all, it is healthy. We rotate crops so as to improve soil structure, making sure to safeguard biodiversity."
Cavendish bananas
"We tend to sell our products directly as classic distribution channels mortified our productions with long payment times and ridiculous complaints. Over time, we also started supplying the regional H&R sector which is well-aware of our production standards and appreciates the high-quality and health of our products. Our entire production process is fully traceable."
Strawberries: production has started in November in some Sicilian areas
The company also produces:
Fruit and citrus fruit: apricots, watermelons, oranges, cantaloupe melons, persimmons, cedars, clementines, strawberries, grapefruit, plums and table grapes (15 tons in total).
Vegetables: garlic, swiss chard, beetroots, broccoli, cauliflowers, artichokes, thistle, carrots, bunch carrots, cabbage, red and white kohlrabi, Savoy cabbage, purple cabbage, cucumbers, chicory, turnip greens, white onions, golden onions, red onions, red spring onions, white spring onions, August beans, beans, peas, tomatoes, radishes, rocket, red shallot, celery, spinach, zucchini leaves, pumpkins, butternut squash and zucchini (20 tons in total).
Aromatic herbs: basil and parsley (0.5 tons)
The company places the FEBS (Frutti Esotici Biologici Siciliani) sticker on its tropical fruit as a distinctive mark.
Of course, in addition to the high quality intrinsic to organic cultivation methods, the produce is sustainable thanks to the short chain.
Info:
L'Orto di Nonno Nino
Via Mimose e Azalee, 7
90049 Terrasini (PA)
Tel: + 39 348 311 3365
Email: info@ortodinonnonino.it
Website: www.ortodinonnonino.wordpress.com