Up until the early 1980s, Garbagna, a small town in the Grue Valley, was known for its cherry trees, which covered the whole valley. The varieties included Pistoiesi and late-ripening Grisone, but the most important was the Bella, a bright-red, bigarreau-type cherry whose crispness made it ideal for preserving in spirits. In early June families would pick the cherries using long ladders to climb the tall trees. Thanks to their natural characteristics, Bella cherries keep their shape, texture and sweet flavor when preserved in alcohol. The preserved cherries are ideal for covering in chocolate to make “boeri”.
Season
The harvest takes place in June. During the rest of the year, it can be eaten as a jam, syrup or liquor.
Until around 20 years ago, thousands of quintals of the cherries were harvested every year. Now, just 40 quintals are picked. The Bella has been widely abandoned because it is less hardy than other varieties and the local Grue Valley harvest was in any case being sent to wholesale warehouses and mixed in with other cherries without any differentiation. The Presidium has relaunched this fruit on the market, both as a fresh cherry and, especially, as a preserve, giving it back value and ensuring its future.
Production area
Garbagna Municipality, Grue Valley, Alessandria Province
Production area
Garbagna Municipality, Grue Valley, Alessandria Province
Growers
Danilo Fascioli
Frazione Cà dei Bianchi, 1
Garbagna (Al)
Tel. +39 339 7749011
danilo.fascioli@libero.it
Maria Gennaro
Frazione Santa Cristina, 1
Garbagna (Al)
Tel. +39 339 3617024
gisella.lenti@libero.it
Grows and processes
Aurora Pisacco
Frazione Cà dei Bianchi, 5
Garbagna (Al)
Tel. +39 338 4392377
aurora.pisacco@gmail.it
Danilo Fascioli
Frazione Cà dei Bianchi, 1
Garbagna (Al)
Tel. +39 339 7749011
danilo.fascioli@libero.it
Maria Gennaro
Frazione Santa Cristina, 1
Garbagna (Al)
Tel. +39 339 3617024
gisella.lenti@libero.it
Grows and processes
Aurora Pisacco
Frazione Cà dei Bianchi, 5
Garbagna (Al)
Tel. +39 338 4392377
aurora.pisacco@gmail.it
Slow Food Presidium Producers’ Coordinator
Massimo Pisacco
Tel. +39 338 4392377
massimopisacco@gmail.com
Slow Food Presidium Coordinator
Roberto Sambo
Tel. 348 6944465
roberto.sambo@slowfoodpiemonte.com
Massimo Pisacco
Tel. +39 338 4392377
massimopisacco@gmail.com
Slow Food Presidium Coordinator
Roberto Sambo
Tel. 348 6944465
roberto.sambo@slowfoodpiemonte.com