We're always talking about big sized fruit, as if they were the only ones worthy of high remuneration. But this is not always the case. For example, as wholesaler Gobbi Gino's sales manager Riccardo Bargellini says, there's an apple which is quite successful, despite being different from the usual standards.
Bulk product, price 0,90 euro/kg
"The Abbodanza apple is always a success - says the sales manager - because it's a product which is now different from all the others. Its main characteristics are the organoleptic quality, followed by an intense red color and, finally, a size that is smaller than the standard to which we are accustomed".
The production of these apples is in Emilia Romagna, specifically in the area of the municipality of Santarcangelo, in the province of Rimini. At first sight it might appear as an area not particularly suited for apples, but this is not the case, since their cultivation dates back many centuries. It can be preserved on average for 3-4 months and the harvest usually takes place at the end of September.
"The current price is 90 cents per kilogram for the bulk product and 1 euro/kg for the boxed one. We're having noteworthy sales in terms of quantity - continues Bargellini - and it's mostly greengrocers and high-end shops that look for the Abbondanza apple. Besides the excellent taste, the color is what makes the difference".
Small and tasty seems to be the feature that favors it. "The small size - he wraps up - makes it ideal for consumption as a snack, wherever you are, and in particular for cooking".