Lovers of Red Garlic? We like it, through this article we like to bring together two beautiful towns, one in Lazio and the other in Abruzzo, also known thanks to the production of Red Garlic.
Why not decide to visit one or both of these places with the “excuse” of bringing home this tasty food, widely used in the recipes of the Italian gastronomic tradition and beyond?
What is special about Red Garlic compared to the classic white one?
Unlike the classic white garlic, the red one has smaller dimensions, is narrow, the outer skin is deep red and usually each head contains from 8 to 12 cloves. Red garlic has a more intense aroma, a less “heavy” flavor, as well as more digestible and with characteristics that facilitate its conservation.
The Red Garlic of Sulmona in Abruzzo
The renowned Red Garlic of Sulmona is a variety of native garlic that is grown mainly in the Peligna valley and in particular in the city of Sulmona, in the province of L’Aquila. It is part of the list of traditional Italian food products (P.A.T.) of the Abruzzo region.
During a visit to the town of Sulmona, among other things, you can visit the Cathedral of San Panfilo, the Santissima Annunziata, the Statue of Ovid (in fact he was born here), the Fontana del Vecchio, the Medieval Aqueduct and the Porta Napoli. Do not forget to taste the Sulmona sugared almonds (confetti di Sulmona) which are famous throughout the world, you can buy them both in the small shops in the historic center and directly in the historic Pelino factory.
The Red Garlic of Proceno, Viterbo, Lazio
Proceno red garlic is grown in a small area of the Municipality of Acquapendente and has long been selected by local farmers. It is said that red garlic was already cultivated by the Etruscans who used it a lot for its healing, aphrodisiac and stimulating characteristics as well as for its flavor so tasty that it was preferred over onions.
Itinerary in Lazio. A small village with a castle, a flower museum and an ancient Etruscan site
Proceno Red Garlic has medium-sized, short and stocky bulbs and a tunic that shows its characteristic red color. It has a very intense and persistent aroma, is easily digested and has excellent storage characteristics.
During a visit of Proceno you will be able to admire its churches, its narrow alleys and squares, Renaissance buildings of great value such as the Sforza palace, as well as the Castle or Rocca di Proceno, which is an articulated system of fortifications created in the 12th century for the purpose of defence. It is a square tower that stands on the top of the ancient village of Proceno, dominating the entire valley and the surrounding area.
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