Calabria, with its mild climate and fertile lands, is famous for the production of gastronomic excellence. Among these, a place of honor goes to the Red Onion of Tropea PGI, a unique product that embodies history, tradition and unmistakable flavour.
Origins and History
The origins of the Red Onion of Tropea date back to over 2000 years ago, when the Phoenicians and Greeks brought this vegetable along the Calabrian coasts. Its cultivation has taken root over time, finding its ideal habitat in the Costa degli Dei, an area between Nicotera and Campora San Giovanni. The combination of nutrient-rich soil and a perfect climate has allowed the Tropea onion to develop its unique characteristics.
Features and Properties
The Red Onion of Tropea is immediately recognizable by its intense red color and its round or ovoid shape. But it is its flavor that makes it truly special: sweet, delicate and never pungent, which differentiates it from other varieties of onions. This natural sweetness is due to the high sugar content and low acidity.
In addition to its taste, the Tropea onion is renowned for its beneficial properties. Rich in vitamins A, B, C and E, it also contains important mineral salts such as iron, selenium, zinc, magnesium and iodine. These elements not only contribute to general well-being, but make this onion a precious ally for health, with positive effects on the cardiovascular and immune systems.
Traditional Cultivation
The cultivation of the Red Onion of Tropea follows traditional methods handed down from generation to generation. Sowing takes place in autumn and harvesting begins in late spring, continuing throughout the summer. The onions are harvested by hand, carefully selected and left to dry naturally in the sun, a process that preserves all their organoleptic qualities.
The Transformation at Scalzo Conserve di Calabria
At Scalzo Conserve di Calabria, we transform the Red Onion of Tropea PGI with the same passion and attention that have characterized our company since 1973. After harvesting, the onions are carefully processed to create a range of products that enhance their unique flavour. From caramelized onions to preserves in oil, each product is a tribute to tradition and quality.
Processing video:
Versatility in the Kitchen
The Red Onion of Tropea is incredibly versatile in the kitchen. It can be eaten raw in salads, where its sweet flavor adds a fresh and crunchy note, or cooked, where it enriches meat, fish and vegetable dishes with its delicate aroma. It is the perfect ingredient for jams and preserves, which enhance its natural sweetness.
The Red Onion of Tropea is not just an ingredient, but a symbol of the rich Calabrian agricultural tradition. Its thousand-year history, its beneficial properties and its unmistakable flavor make it a true treasure of our land. At Scalzo Conserve di Calabria, we are proud to carry on this tradition, offering high-quality products that capture the essence of Calabria.
Link to Onion Fillets
https://www.scalzo.it/collections/sottolio/products/7218
Link to the onion compote:
https://www.scalzo.it/collections/composte/products/1962
Link to the Onion Cream:
https://www.scalzo.it/collections/salse-e-creme/products/2034
Discover Our Products
Visit our website to discover our range of products based on Tropea Red Onion and other treasures of the Calabrian tradition.
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