The trend towards healthy eating and a growing curiosity for anything new, has led to the cultivation of more and more exotic fruits and vegetables in the Sicilian farming industry. In recent years, the island has recorded a boom in tropical fruits, especially in the northern part of the island.
Peruvian Physalis. Among the properties of this fruit stands out the content of vitamin C, as well as calcium, carotenoids and flavonoids.
The Miscari farm, founded in 2019 by Flavio Rubechini, aims to focus its activity on the cultivation of Physalis peruviana, a fruit that is classified as a super food, with exceptional nutritional characteristics.
Flavio Rubechini
"After several years of studying tropical crops and experiences abroad," said Rubechini, "we took up the challenge to cultivate tropical species in the countryside of Francavilla di Sicilia (ME). The environment here is very suitable, although it is still outside of the tropical zones of Sicily. However, the microclimate of the Alcantara river valley has hot, sunny summers and winters that are not excessively harsh."
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The truth is that the climatic conditions in Sicily are favorable for almost any crop and you only need to move a few kilometers to find the ideal microclimate for some of them.
The farm cultivates on an area of 10 hectares, partly flat but mostly made up of terraces. In 2019 the first hectare was planted with Physalis peruviana (Alchechengi of Peru) which entered into production in September 2020 and was sold under the brand Alkenterra, "which derives from the fusion of the words Alchechengi and Alcantara."
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"It is a challenge that we are taking up with great enthusiasm and we are encouraged by the soil and climate that add value to any cultivation. We have also planted passion fruit, lime, mango and papaya in some test fields with the intention of continuing towards exotic cultivations. All the production is carried out with a maximum limitation of the use of chemical products and with the rationalization of natural resources. Particular attention is paid to the use of water, thanks to the presence of drip irrigation systems."
"The marketing of the fresh produce is totally entrusted to the Viento Tropical company," concluded Flavio Rubechini, "where Giorgio Mancuso, a very experienced professional, has recognized the value of this production. A small proportion of the alchechengi is sold directly to the consumer. In 2021 a further challenge awaits us in the cultivation of the pitaya and passion fruit in protected structures, where the cultivation of the pitaya will be tested."
Contact:
Azienda Agricola Miscari 
Loc. Ghiritina
98034 Francavilla di Sicilia (Me)
Phone.: +39 3318714884
E-mail: flaviorubechini@icloud.com