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Sicilian organic lemons for niche segments

"Our citrus grove covers 15 hectares and includes the Femminello comune, Zagara bianca and Cappuccio lemon varieties. The latter is an ancient cultivar that produces excellent quantities of primofiore, which ripen two weeks before Zagara bianca," explains Giancarlo Paparoni while describing his family business. 



The origins of Azienda agricola Paparoni, which is located in Mirto (ME) surrounded by the Sicilian Nebrodi mountains, can be traced back to as far as the early 1900s!

The Cappuccio variety stands out for its essential oil content and for the fact that it is juicy with a high acidity. This means it is popular with citrus fruit processing companies.

In the future, this lemon could also obtain the PGI mark as various public and private institutions are currently working towards it.


Giancarlo Paparoni

The company also grows Ovale calabrese (late) oranges, which are much appreciated for their post-harvest shelf-life and superior juiciness with an average sugar level of 12/13° Brix.


Top of the photo: the olive trees that used to diversify income, lower summer temperatures in groves and were useful against the wind. 


"Sicilian productions are increasingly contaminated by foreign cultivars and we don't understand why, as local varieties are superior not only because they are local but because their juice is actually of a superior quality."

Video-interview with Giancarlo Paparoni


"Consumers tend to prefer perfectly-yellow lemons but it actually doesn't mean anything as colour has nothing to do with ripeness or quality."



All productions are rigorously organic and certified by BioAgriCert in Bologna. 90% of the fruit is sent to the foreign market, England and France in particular.

The company is also looking to export to the Netherlands, with negotiations already underway. Part of the produce is destined to the processing industry, where demand is increasing.


Above: Paparoni displaying blossoms in mid-December, a testimony to the ongoing climate change 


Commercialisation channels are foreign niche distributors such as small supermarket chains or platforms serving their clients directly on demand.

"Distributing the produce well and making an income doesn't necessarily mean having to follow cold market logic. A formula that works for both producers and consumers must be found, as the latter have the right to purchase products that correspond to their actual value."



The business also includes a facility for farm holidays (see photos above and below) so guests can truly experience Sicilian flavours and aromas.



Contacts:
Azienda Agricola Paparoni

Piazza Merendino, 31
98071 Capo D'Orlando (ME) - ITALY
Tel.1: + 39 3384411556
Tel.2: +39 3920043188
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.agricontura.it
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