Perinaldo Artichoke

Slow Food Presidium

Italy

Liguria

Vegetables and vegetable preserves

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Perinaldo Artichoke

Perinaldo is a small town in the Crosia Valley, in the far west of Liguria, known for the production of an artichoke variety imported over two centuries ago from nearby Provence. According to legend, the French violet variety was introduced by Napoleon Bonaparte himself during the 1796 Italian campaign. The Perinaldo artichoke is tender and has no spines or choke. In local recipes it is found in little omelets, roasted with Parmesan and mushrooms or in simple fritters with garlic and parsley. The artichokes are grown between 400 and 600 meters above sea level, and are often planted along dry-stone walls because the plants need good drainage. They are tolerant of cold temperatures and drought and need no chemical treatments.

Season

Harvested between May and June, but can be found throughout the year preserved in oil.

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Some growers still produce limited quantities of the artichokes (around 55,000 to 60,000 heads a year in total), and preserve part of the harvest in oil. A production protocol governs cultivation methods and guarantees traceability. On the second Sunday in May, a festival is held in the town celebrating the Perinaldo artichoke and extra-virgin Taggiasca olive oil.

Production area
Perinaldo Municipality, Imperia Province

Presidium supported by
Liguria Region, Perinaldo Municipality, Intemelia Mountain Community, Altavia
Producers
Il Carciofo
di Doriana Guglielmi
Via Matteotti, 46-48
Perinaldo (Im)
Tel. +39 329 1851583
doriana.guglielmi86@gmail.com

Giorgio Cassini
Località Poggiolo, 3
Perinaldo (Im)
Tel. +39 347 5742246
giorgiocassini62@gmail.com

Mauro Cassini
Via Maraldi, 67
Perinaldo (Im)
Tel. +39 347 0695277
cassinimauro@yahoo.it

Slow Food Presidium Producers’ Coordinator
Francesco Guglielmi
Tel. +39 338 3981160
doriana.guglielmi86@gmail.com

Slow Food Presidium Coordinator
Luciano Barbieri
Tel.+39 338 2882040
lucienbarbieri@gmail.com

Some growers still produce limited quantities of the artichokes (around 55,000 to 60,000 heads a year in total), and preserve part of the harvest in oil. A production protocol governs cultivation methods and guarantees traceability. On the second Sunday in May, a festival is held in the town celebrating the Perinaldo artichoke and extra-virgin Taggiasca olive oil.

Production area
Perinaldo Municipality, Imperia Province

Presidium supported by
Liguria Region, Perinaldo Municipality, Intemelia Mountain Community, Altavia
Producers
Il Carciofo
di Doriana Guglielmi
Via Matteotti, 46-48
Perinaldo (Im)
Tel. +39 329 1851583
doriana.guglielmi86@gmail.com

Giorgio Cassini
Località Poggiolo, 3
Perinaldo (Im)
Tel. +39 347 5742246
giorgiocassini62@gmail.com

Mauro Cassini
Via Maraldi, 67
Perinaldo (Im)
Tel. +39 347 0695277
cassinimauro@yahoo.it

Slow Food Presidium Producers’ Coordinator
Francesco Guglielmi
Tel. +39 338 3981160
doriana.guglielmi86@gmail.com

Slow Food Presidium Coordinator
Luciano Barbieri
Tel.+39 338 2882040
lucienbarbieri@gmail.com

Territory

StateItaly
RegionLiguria