The results of scientific research, conducted by Crisea Research Centerwith the involvement ofMagna Graecia University of Catanzaro and of theUniversity of Genoain the context of project “Borgo della Nocciola”, desired by Municipality of Cardinalewere presented during a conference.
A research to which 100 thousand euros of the funding obtained from the Calabria Region’s Borghi Call was allocated and through which the municipal administration of Cardinale focused on its own resource, «in the belief that it was necessary to make a leap in quality, to promote the territory with it» as the mayor explained Danilo Staglianò.
A research aimed at identifying the organoleptic properties of the Tonda di Calabria hazelnut and its possible nutraceutical activity. From its results we can deduce «characteristics – explained Giosuè Costa, scientific director of the project – which distinguish it from the national panorama. The most obvious thing is that some nutrients are more concentrated than in other cultivars. Another positive note is that it is an organic hazelnut and both the soil and the hazelnut are free from heavy metals and pesticides, over six hundred of which have been analysed. This is a case in which science can generate value in an area. A good example can start from a Cardinal.”
He expressed applause regarding the research activity, Giuseppe Rotiroti, president of the “Valorization and Protection of Calabria Hazelnut” Consortium and of the Association of Organic Tonda di Calabria Producers, «I express to the Municipality of Cardinale, the Crisea Research Center and the University the thanks that come from the producers, from those who every day I’m in the fields. Thank you because with your work you are making us grow and promoting a quality and excellent product.”
Support for the organic Tonda di Calabria hazelnut has been declared by Alberto Stattiregional president of Confagricoltura.
«Already fifty years ago Confagricoltura was alongside the producers of this area. We were the first to believe in the potential of hazelnuts in the Calabrian area. There are studies and writings that date back to the 1970s. Today Tonda di Calabria – through its president of the Consortium, Giuseppe Rotiroti and the producers of Cardinale and Torre di Ruggiero – is an absolute reality, a reality that gives development to the territory, visibility and also gives consumers the opportunity to choose and bring an Italian and in this case Calabrian product to the table».
There were several notable presences who alternated between greetings and speeches, including that of the President of the Regional Council, Filippo Mancusowhich focused on the role of innovation and research in valorising a precious resource for the territory, capable of impacting economic development.
, a conference to promote the “Tonda di Calabria” hazelnut){kind=link}