The harvesting of Angeleno plums is in full swing in Emilia-Romagna. The story of this variety is quite a peculiar one - until 20 years ago, it was not very popular because of its setting problems. Then technician Domenico Abeti discovered a compatible pollinator and things improved enormously.
Aristide and Sergio Castellari.
Nowadays, the production of Angeleno plums proves very satisfactory, as explained by Aristide Castellari. "Our company has 15 hectares of plums, 10 of which are of the Angeleno variety. Productivity hovers between 30 and 50 tons per hectare and could be higher, but we do not push it because we want to maintain the excellent quality we have achieved."
The Castellari company was established by Aristide's father, Sergio, and he now runs it together with his brother Maurizio and his nephew Cristian. Aristide is also the Vice-president of Agrintesa.
An irrigation system is essential to obtain high yields and a good quality. Castellari chose an underground drip line so there are no hanging hoses and to avoid the damage caused by birds.
Castellari harvesting truck
Plants are cultivated using the espalier system and are over 4 metres high. Harvesting is carried out using trucks and fertilising is done with granular and then with fertigation.
The market
Agrintesa director explains that Angeleno plums perform well on the market. "Grades are medium-big, quality is excellent and so is shelf-life, so it looks like we will have a good campaign."
"Our cooperative collects 23 thousand tons of plums a year, 13 thousand of which are of the Angeleno variety. 70% is sold abroad and, thanks to the careful sorting and to cold storage units, sales continue until January."
Agrintesa director explains that Angeleno plums perform well on the market. "Grades are medium-big, quality is excellent and so is shelf-life, so it looks like we will have a good campaign."
"Our cooperative collects 23 thousand tons of plums a year, 13 thousand of which are of the Angeleno variety. 70% is sold abroad and, thanks to the careful sorting and to cold storage units, sales continue until January."
Angeleno plum processing at Agrintesa.
Each market, in fact, has its preferences. "The British, for example, prefer fruit that is just ripe with a pale yellow flesh."
Other reference markets are Canada, South America, Brazil, Dubai, UAE and Northern Europe.
Contacts:
Agrintesa
Via G. Galilei, 15
Faenza (RA)
Tel.: (+39) 0546 619111
Fax: (+39) 0546 621270
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.agrintesa.com
