Zucchini with flowers from Cuneo are a niche product whose season, this year, will last between June 24th and August 15th. Demand is not bad and quotations are better than in other years.
"In the summer, we destine two hectares to the production of zucchini with flowers, which produce around 15-20 tons. Commercialization is not bad at the moment - it is not thrilling, but it is better than other years," reports Claudio Peirone, who runs a family business founded around 100 years ago in the Villanova Mondovì area (Cuneo), approximately 500-600 meters asl. The company specializes in apples and pears but, in the summer, it also grows zucchini and zucchini flowers.
"Our zucchini are already harvested and processed by 10:30 in the morning, otherwise our quality standard drops. Our produce is sold on the Genoa fresh produce market in wooden crates weighing 6.5 kg. Demand for zucchini flowers also has dropped over the past few years, but we can provide punnets containing 10 flowers upon request."
Apples and pears
"As for apples, we have planted new orchards, covered with anti-hail and anti-frost nets. Due to the spring frost, pear production is very low. We will manage to commercialize 5% of the produce. The damage for apples was approximately 30%, with a saleable production of 70%. Harvesting will probably start late with the Gala variety in early September unless there are other weather problems."
For further information:
Claudio Peirone
+39 333 2321448
Azienda Agricola Peirone
claudio.peirone@gmail.com