"The Pera d'Abruzzo tomato campaign ended with good yields, ranging between 5 and 8 kg per plant, and appreciable quality," reports Diego Pasqualone. "The weather supported us, although we had to deal with two Tuta absoluta attacks, which compromised about 10% of the product. We managed the situation using natural integrated pest management methods. We are aware that this insect, if not controlled, can cause serious damage and lead to huge losses. Its rapid reproduction and ability to develop resistance to natural products make it a constant challenge."
© Azienda Agricola PasqualoneDiego Pasqualone and Francesca Pace
Diego Pasqualone now heads a brand that produces processed tomatoes, jams, fruit juices, and pickles. Among these, Pera d'Abruzzo tomatoes are the main product. They are a sweet local ecotype, grown on small plots in the coastal and hilly areas of the provinces of Chieti, Pescara, and Teramo. The family farm, set up in 1930 by the founder Filippo, is now being run by the third generation. The farm covers about 150 hectares, including orchards, olive groves, and vineyards, and grows more than 50,000 native tomato plants every year.
© Concetta Di Lunardo | FreshPlaza.com
Pera d'Abruzzo tomatoes are considered the flagship of the local production. It is a niche type with different characteristics from industrial varieties. As it is not a hybrid, it is more delicate and lacks the resistance typical of other cultivars. In the 1970s, the introduction of hybrid varieties compromised their diffusion and diluted their original genetic characteristics. From an organoleptic point of view, it boasts a good balance between sugars and acidity. Its sweetness and fleshiness, combined with a low water and seed content, make it particularly suitable for the production of bottled preserves and sauces.
© Azienda Agricola Pasqualone
In addition to tomatoes, the company also produces grape jam, locally known as 'scrucchiata', a niche product from Abruzzo. This is made from native Montepulciano grapes, harvested at the optimal point of ripeness. The name derives from the practice of 'squeezing' the berries between the fingers to remove the seeds.
© Azienda Agricola Pasqualone
All processed products, which include jams, pickles, and fruit juices (apple, pear, apricot, peach), come exclusively from the company's own fruit and vegetable production. Pera d'Abruzzo tomatoes are processed into puree or chunks, available in 500-gram retail formats and 3 kg catering formats.
© Azienda Agricola Pasqualone
This production represents an expression of territorial biodiversity, brought back to life with tenacity. The project involves twenty companies in the area, with a total volume of around 100 tonnes of product. The tomatoes, if not overripe, are also excellent fresh, especially in salads, and stand out thanks to the green colour of the top.
For more information:
Azienda Agricola Pasqualone
Contrada Domera - 65017 Penne (PE)
+39 085 7953918
+39 333 377 3498
[email protected]
www.aziendagricolapasqualone.it