October in Tuscanyis the time of the chestnut harvest: in Mugello in particular there is a type of chestnut different from the others, the Marrone. Discover its history and its properties!

Characteristics of “Marrone” from Mugello

The “Marrone”, unlike the chestnut that is harvested wild in the woods, is obtained from a cultivated tree: to characterize it are the larger size and the sweeter white pulp, it is easy to peel and is not particularly floury or astringent. It has a vivacity of hazelnut, vanilla and almond, with a slight aroma of fresh bread.

History and Cultivation of “Marrone”

The cultivation of Marrone in Mugello has been known since the times of the Roman Empire but it is only since the Middle Ages that we have certain news of its spread in this area and of the importance it assumed in nutrition. In fact, it was an important economic resource and was called the “Tree of Bread” due to its frequent consumption by the farmers.

However, in the early twentieth century there was a serious crisis, caused by two diseases, which hit the chestnut trees, forcing companies to cancel production.

Only in the eighties, thanks to a renewed interest, this culture was resumed, safeguarding the chestnut trees and resuming their processing.

Cultivation takes place mainly in the municipalities of Marradi, Palazzuolo sul Senio and Dicomano but also affects parts of Borgo San Lorenzo, Firenzuola, Londa, Rufina, San Godenzo, Scarperia and Vicchio: the trees are grown naturally without the addition of pesticides or chemical additives. .

The harvest, done by hand, takes place between October and November: part of the chestnuts is sold, part is dried to be stored or used to produce flour.

Marrone from Mugello:IGP denomination

The Marrone from Mugello has the protected geographical indication trademark, better known with the acronym IGP. This label is attributed by the European Union to those agricultural and food products for which a certain quality or specific features depend on the geographical origin, and whose production, processing and / or processing takes place in a specific geographical area.

The Good Marrone from Marradi

Marradi is the home of the “Good Marrone”: there are numerous hillsides covered with chestnut trees which, like well-kept gardens, interrupt the uniformity of the spontaneous vegetation.

The love for this plant and the desire to create a project that represented it in all its aspects gave birth to the “Marrone Road”: a consortium of companies, based in Marradi, which offers the possibility of a real and its own journey to discover Marrone and its territory.

In fact, in this location, visits to the chestnut woods or inside the farms are organized to see how chestnuts are processed, as well as real tastings while the Documentation Center on Chestnut Growing was born to learn about their history.

We also recommend a visit to the local craft shops that sell beautiful objects carved in chestnut wood!

We are waiting for you in Mugello to taste the chestnuts

If you love good food, you cannot miss the numerous Mugello festivals that take place between October and November, where you can taste the famous Marroni’s cake or the marrons glace. If you want to discover the taste of Marroni chestnuts, we are waiting for you at Villa Campestri Olive Oil Resort!