2021 is not a standard year, as nectarine prices are very high in this period too due to the lack of produce in northern Italy caused by the frost. Romagna Mia is currently being harvested, a late nectarine variety that combines large grades with a good organoleptic flavor.
"It is a white nectarine that combines an excellent flavor with resistance on plants. What is more, large grades can be obtained thanks to good pruning, thinning and water management," explained nursery gardener Daniele Neri who, in addition to selling plants, also owns demonstration orchards.
Romagna Mia boasts a distinctive grade, color and flavor
Harvesting should not be carried out too soon, but this should apply to all types of fruit: "There are some who harvested days ago, when fruits had just developed their color, but I don't agree with it. Romagna Mia fully expresses its organoleptic potential when fully ripe."
Daniele Neri next to a Romagna Mia tree
The motto of the nursery gardener-producer is: "Quality is made in the field". This is why he says: "You cannot give consumers unripe peaches or nectarines, as they have no flavor. I have recently seen stores selling low-quality, small fruits (which I usually discard) sold at high prices. Consumers are tired with inedible fruit, even if it looks good. Someone should realize this, the time has come to lower the yields per hectare increasing the gross saleable production thanks to higher prices per kg."
This year too, Romagna Mia fruits grown in the Faenza (Ravenna) area were damaged by the cold. Only the orchards equipped with anti-frost systems and mini-sprinklers were spared. Fewer fruits have meant larger grades also in case of no thinning, even though grades are never a problem for this variety when it is managed well.
"Producing peaches and nectarines in September opens up new scenarios. I am convinced there is always room for fruit that is nice to eat. It is us producers who are not cultivating thinking about those who eat the fruit. Prices are high, with a very interesting gross saleable production."
For further information
Daniele Neri Vivai Piante
Via Sacramora 15
48018 Faenza (Ravenna) - Italy
+39 0546 639169
+39 335.5353085
info@danielenerivivai.com
www.danielenerivivai.com