Certaldo Onion

In the Decameron, Giovanni Boccaccio named this onion the most famous in all Tuscany. Renowned for centuries, it has become an essential part of the local identity in Certaldo. The onion even features on the town’s coat of arms, which dates back to the Alberti counts, the 12th-century feudal lords. It shows an onion on a white and red shield, and the motto reads: “By nature I am both strong and sweet, and I please those at work and those at rest.” There are two types, sown at different times of the year. The Statina is round, pale purple, juicy, sweet and flavorful, while the Vernina is bright red with a pungent flavor and a slightly squashed shape.

Season

Statina onions are harvested from May to August, Vernina onions from August to September.