"The chilli pepper market is a global one, but each nation has its own traditions and preferences. As a seed company, we have always promoted local flavours and types. This has led us to rediscovering the many Italian local ecotypes and to initiating hybridisation programs in all directions, yet always keeping in mind the taste characteristics required by each consumer group," explains Massimo Tamburini of the Blumen Vegetable Seeds sales network part of Blumen Group.
Massimo Tamburini
On the occasion of the World Chilli fair, which took place a few days ago in Rieti, Massimo set up a large stand in cooperation with the Si.Mar company owned by the Padronetti family, where he took the opportunity to display as many as 47 varieties of chilli peppers from a Blumen catalogue field in Senigallia.
"Attending the Rieti fair is very important because there are plenty of curious and passionate people. This year, we set up an entire street with a hanging art installation of coloured umbrellas. The idea came to me as I was thinking about the colourfulness of chillies. It was very popular and brought us a continuous stream of visitors!"
Above: the stand with the hanging umbrellas. Below: Si.Mar owner Alessandra Padronetti with her sister Natalia.
The carefully arranged display of 47 chilli hybrids matched each variety with its commercial name or initials. On each tag, Blumen set up a QR code, so that all the information could be retrieved via an online card via mobile phone.
Small and large cornetto types are increasingly popular. "We use the large Jalapeno-type cornetto to make spicy jams as well, which are very popular in gourmet cuisine. When it comes to round peppers, our Rodeo F1 selection is particularly suitable to make stuffed chilli peppers."
Blumen started including chillies about a decade ago, but things have sped up greatly in recent times.
For more info: https://www.blumengroup.it/
