The harvesting of red onions from Acquaviva delle Fonti has just started. It is a niche product, but it has gained popularity on a national level. Vito Abrusci is behind all initiatives and reported that "harvesting started on 1st July and will continue for a few weeks."
Vito Abrusci
Grades are varied as the weather in May somewhat penalized them. Yields per hectare are lower than in the past few years and probably total volumes will not reach the usual quantities.
"Our association gathers 22 producers growing around 200 tons of onions. Our name is La Vera cipolla rossa di Acquaviva (the real red onions from Acquaviva) because there are plenty of fakes, which look similar but have a different appearance. Our product is very sweet and different from all other onions. Bulbs are flat, purplish and can reach a diameter of 20 cm with a weight of 1.5 kg. On average, however, they have a diameter of 6-7 cm and weigh 500 gr. This year, we will have smaller grades."
The color fades on the interior and becomes white at the center. The variety is sowed in September and harvested between early July and August. Yields are rather low - around 12-13 tons per hectare - as the layout is 90 cm between rows and 25 cm between plants.
"Over the past few years, we collaborated with the University on a genetic characterization project. Now it is certain that the produce sold by the Consortium is authentic and it is scientifically possible to distance ourselves from all fakes."
Contacts:
La Vera Cipolla Rossa di Acquaviva
Via Don Cesare Franco 17
70021 Acquaviva delle Fonti (BA)
Tel.: (+39) 339 1936517
Email: abrusciserv@libero.it
Website: www.cipollarossacquaviva.it