The Agricultural Treasures of Calabria: A Map of Regional Excellence

Calabria, a land of extraordinary natural beauty and rich traditions, is famous for the variety and quality of its agricultural products. Each area of the region boasts unique excellences, the result of a favorable climate and centuries of skilled cultivation. This map of Calabria highlights some of the main production areas and their most representative products, reflecting the diversity and richness of the Calabrian agricultural heritage.

Santa Maria del Cedro: The Cedar

Santa Maria del Cedro, in the heart of the Riviera dei Cedri, is famous for cultivating the citron, an ancient and precious citrus fruit. The city hosts the Citron Museum, dedicated to promoting and enhancing this fruit, a symbol of fertility and prosperity.

Diamante: The Chili Pepper

The Calabrian chili pepper, cultivated in various parts of the region, finds its capital in Diamante. Every September, the city lights up with colors and flavors during the famous Chili Pepper Festival, celebrating this spicy spice, a symbol of Calabrian cuisine.

Corigliano Rossano: The Clementines

The clementines of Corigliano Rossano are renowned for their sweet and juicy flavor. Grown in the fertile plains of this area, these clementines stand out for their thin skin and seedlessness, making them an IGP product of excellence.

The Crotonese: The Tomatoes

In the Crotonese area, the warm sun and fertile soils create ideal conditions for growing tomatoes with a sweet and intense flavor. These tomatoes are perfect for preparing sauces and preserves that enhance Calabrian culinary tradition.

Calabrian Apennines: The Mushrooms

The Calabrian Apennines are a paradise for mushroom lovers. Porcini, galletti, and drumsticks grow abundantly in beech, chestnut, and pine woods, and are highly valued for their rich and aromatic flavor, starring in numerous local dishes.

Pre Sila - Savuto: The Chicory

The heights of the Pre Sila offer the ideal environment for cultivating chicory. This vegetable, with a slightly bitter taste, is highly appreciated in Calabrian cuisine, used both raw and cooked to enrich traditional dishes.

Olives and Oil:

Calabrian extra virgin olive oil is renowned for its intense and fruity flavor. Derived from native olive varieties such as Carolea, Ottobratica, and Tonda di Strongoli, this oil is distinguished by its golden green color and fresh aroma.

Tropea: The Red Onion

Tropea is famous worldwide for its IGP red onions, sweet and crunchy. These onions, with an elongated shape and intense red color, are a fundamental ingredient in Calabrian cuisine, used in salads, soups, and other specialties.

Reggino: The Citrus Fruits

Reggino, at the southernmost tip of Calabria, is famous for its citrus fruits, including bergamot, oranges, and lemons. These fruits, grown in fertile and sun-kissed soils, stand out for their intense and aromatic flavor, representing a true agricultural excellence.

Pre Sila and Serre: The Chestnuts

Chestnuts are widespread in the mountainous areas of the Pre Sila and Serre, where they grow abundantly between 700 and 1100 meters of altitude. Among the most renowned varieties, the ruvillise is particularly appreciated for its quality and use in numerous traditional recipes.

Credit: an idea by Giuseppe Scalzo.