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The melannurca or annurca apple is a prized fruit and vegetable product from Campania. In 2006, it obtained the recognition of Protected Geographical Indication. Why is it considered the queen of apples? Let’s find out with an identikit. ORIGINS The melannurca is a fruit that has been present in Campania for at least two millennia, making it one of the oldest varieties. It was much appreciated in the Roman world, in fact paintings depicting it have been found in the excavations of Herculaneum, for example in the House of the Deer. According to Pliny the Elder’s account in Naturalis Historia, its place of origin is the Puteolan countryside (Pozzuoli area). This area is home to Lake Avernus, in ancient times considered to be the seat of the Underworld, also known as the ‘ogre’. For this reason, the apple was also called Mala Orcula. Hence the names anorcola and annorcola, which were used in the following centuries until 1876, when the name Annurca officially appeared in G. A. Pasquale’s Manual of Arboriculture. PRODUCTION The IGP melannurca campana is traditionally grown in the Phlegraean and Vesuvian areas, but in the last century it spread to the rest of Campania. With an average of 60,000 tons per year, the melannurca represents about 80% of the apple production in Campania and 5% of the national production. HARVEST This fruit is harvested in September, when it is still unripe. What makes typical the cultivation of this apple is the reddening on the ground inside the “melai”, small plots of land arranged in order to avoid water stagnation. Layers of soft material are spread over them. In the past hemp was used, whereas today pine needles or wood shavings are more commonly used. CHARACTERISTICS The melannurca is small to medium-sized and its shape is rounded and slightly asymmetrical. The stalk is short and weak, while the skin is smooth and becomes russet in the stalk cavity. Its flesh is crisp, firm, white, acidulous and juicy. Its aroma is very fine. PROPERTIES The healthy virtues of this variety of apple are many: it has a high content of vitamins and mineral salts. It is also rich in fibre, regulates intestinal functions and is diuretic. It also has a gastroprotective action, thanks to the presence of phenolic compounds. It is suitable for both children and the elderly and is often included in the diets of patients, especially diabetics.

PROTECTED BY… The IGP Melannurca Campana is protected by the Consortium for the Protection of the IGP Melannurca Campana, founded in 2005 with the aim of monitoring, enhancing and protecting this typical product of Campania. TO EAT AT… The best time to eat melannurca is in winter, particularly in December, when the fruit reaches the right degree of ripeness. It is not by chance that, during the Christmas period, it is with this apple that the meals in Campania end. USE IN COOKING The melannurca, thanks to its unmistakable flavour, is perfect to be eaten simply, but, with a bit of creativity, it can be used to prepare fresh salads, desserts and liqueurs. FAIRS AND FESTIVALS Every year the Valle di Maddaloni (CE) hosts the Mela Annurca Festival, an initiative organised by the Pro Loco Valle in collaboration with the municipality and local producers to celebrate this precious fruit through tastings, dinners, food stands and culinary competitions all about apples!