Cicolano Red Chestnut (PGI like Reatina Chestnut)
"Allu Burghittu se non fosse pe' li frutti se sarianu morti tutti" (meaning "In Borgo Velino, if it were not for the fruits, no one would survive"): with a few but efficient words, this old saying witnesses the importance gained over the years by chestnuts in the local economy. As a matter of fact, the chestnut cultivation has always characterized the landscape of Turano and Salto valleys, thanks to their favorable soil and climatic conditions. Chestnuts characterized the diet of the local people already in the 8th century, integrating and replacing winter and spring cereals characterized by low returns. After the Norman conquest in the middle of the 12th century, new fruit chestnuts were planted in the valley: they entirely shaped the landscape anew. Also the timber chestnut, used as an essential element in the buildings, became widespread. The area of Cicolano became important for the trade of handmade chestnut poles and wine pots.
