Traditional Potato of Bologna at Holiday Farm Montevecchio Isolani
DIRECT SELLING FROM THE PRODUCER - THE TRADITIONAL POTATO OF BOLOGNA
ITS ORIGINS
The journey of the potato, from its arrival in Europe to its total agronomical diffusion and alimentary use, was not easy: it was resisted for over a century as a “fruit” of the devil, since it grows underground, and cultivated in the gardens of the Kings of France for its flowers. Thanks to the Bolognese “Studio”, it was already under observation in the University Botanical Garden in 1657, where the botanist Giacinto Ambrosiani described it as a medicinal plant, but not as food!
It was only in the second half of the eighteenth century that Pietro Maria Bignami, an agronomist and landowner, asked the Assonteria dell’Abbondanza (the food authority of the government of Bologna at the time) to spread cultivation of the potato for alimentary purposes. The passage of Napoleon’s troops, followed by the armies of half of Europe, convinced the Bolognese farmers to cultivate potatoes to feed those who, often aggressively, came to their houses, into their pantries, to ask for – or rather help themselves to – whatever food they could find. And so potatoes saved the economy of many farmers who could do nothing against the arrogance of passing armies.
Following this, the agronomist Filippo Re and Professor Contri wrote about potatoes in various works, but it was Cardinale Opizzoni who promoted and spread its cultivation throughout the province of Bologna.
After the First World War, potatoes were cultivated in the Bolognese territory on 4,900 hectares and even then the majority went for export to Germany, Switzerland and France. In the Fifties, with the development of mechanization and with tools invented in situ by ingenious local craftsmen, potatoes continued to be grown on the same large land area, with improved production.
The journey of the potato, from its arrival in Europe to its total agronomical diffusion and alimentary use, was not easy: it was resisted for over a century as a “fruit” of the devil, since it grows underground, and cultivated in the gardens of the Kings of France for its flowers. Thanks to the Bolognese “Studio”, it was already under observation in the University Botanical Garden in 1657, where the botanist Giacinto Ambrosiani described it as a medicinal plant, but not as food!
It was only in the second half of the eighteenth century that Pietro Maria Bignami, an agronomist and landowner, asked the Assonteria dell’Abbondanza (the food authority of the government of Bologna at the time) to spread cultivation of the potato for alimentary purposes. The passage of Napoleon’s troops, followed by the armies of half of Europe, convinced the Bolognese farmers to cultivate potatoes to feed those who, often aggressively, came to their houses, into their pantries, to ask for – or rather help themselves to – whatever food they could find. And so potatoes saved the economy of many farmers who could do nothing against the arrogance of passing armies.
Following this, the agronomist Filippo Re and Professor Contri wrote about potatoes in various works, but it was Cardinale Opizzoni who promoted and spread its cultivation throughout the province of Bologna.
After the First World War, potatoes were cultivated in the Bolognese territory on 4,900 hectares and even then the majority went for export to Germany, Switzerland and France. In the Fifties, with the development of mechanization and with tools invented in situ by ingenious local craftsmen, potatoes continued to be grown on the same large land area, with improved production.
THE PDO POTATO OF BOLOGNA
In 2002, with the support of the two Producers’ Organisations, the idea of the PDO (Protected Denomination of Origin) POTATO OF BOLOGNA took shape for the “Primura” variety. The name has its origins in the word for “excellent” or “first among all”, and this variety has in fact been precedent for over thirty years in the province of Bologna for its organoleptic qualities and its suitability for all uses.
In 2002, with the support of the two Producers’ Organisations, the idea of the PDO (Protected Denomination of Origin) POTATO OF BOLOGNA took shape for the “Primura” variety. The name has its origins in the word for “excellent” or “first among all”, and this variety has in fact been precedent for over thirty years in the province of Bologna for its organoleptic qualities and its suitability for all uses.
SELENELLA, THE SELENIUM-RICH POTATO
Selenella is a selenium-rich potato. Produced using natural methods, a good healthy potato, Selenella combines the flavour of the peasant tradition with the modern need for healthiness. It is safe, being produced with a controlled, GM-free productive chain, and the high quantity of selenium has notable health benefits for the human body.
Selenella is produced using techniques which maintain minimum use of chemical products (fertilizers and anti-parasites). Quite apart from the advantages for the environment and the workers involved, this method leads to production with a reduced level of chemical residues.
Selenella is a potato with a rich flavour, excellent consistence, suitable for all types of preparation: boiled, roast, fried, mashed. That is why it is the first choice of both professional chefs and amateurs who love good cooking and wish to stay in shape.
Selenella is a selenium-rich potato. Produced using natural methods, a good healthy potato, Selenella combines the flavour of the peasant tradition with the modern need for healthiness. It is safe, being produced with a controlled, GM-free productive chain, and the high quantity of selenium has notable health benefits for the human body.
Selenella is produced using techniques which maintain minimum use of chemical products (fertilizers and anti-parasites). Quite apart from the advantages for the environment and the workers involved, this method leads to production with a reduced level of chemical residues.
Selenella is a potato with a rich flavour, excellent consistence, suitable for all types of preparation: boiled, roast, fried, mashed. That is why it is the first choice of both professional chefs and amateurs who love good cooking and wish to stay in shape.
ABOUT SELENIUM
Discovered in 1817, it was named in honour of the Moon God, Selene, perhaps due to the aura of mystery which initially surrounded its functions. Only 150 years later was its fundamental importance for humans recognised: it is a precious substance due to its action against some cardiovascular pathologies and it also slows down the ageing process in cells.
Discovered in 1817, it was named in honour of the Moon God, Selene, perhaps due to the aura of mystery which initially surrounded its functions. Only 150 years later was its fundamental importance for humans recognised: it is a precious substance due to its action against some cardiovascular pathologies and it also slows down the ageing process in cells.
The Cavazza Isolani Agricultural Society produces and sells PDO and Selenella Potatoes of Bologna in its property in Minerbio.
In the welcoming country setting of our company store at 17 Via Palio, Minerbio, weekdays 3-7pm, you can find genuine, timeless flavours buying directly from us:
- “DOC dei Colli Bolognesi” wines produced from our grapes in the Montevecchio vineyards
- PDO and Serenella potatoes of Bologna, cultivated on the Minerbio farm
For information, telephone 051 6610096
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
CLICK HERE TO ORDER
In the welcoming country setting of our company store at 17 Via Palio, Minerbio, weekdays 3-7pm, you can find genuine, timeless flavours buying directly from us:
- “DOC dei Colli Bolognesi” wines produced from our grapes in the Montevecchio vineyards
- PDO and Serenella potatoes of Bologna, cultivated on the Minerbio farm
For information, telephone 051 6610096
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
CLICK HERE TO ORDER
