Agricultural production
The cultivation of trumpet zucchini of Albenga
May 14, 2020
The zucchini trombetta d'Albenga is a variety of pumpkin typical of Liguria . Its name recalls the nice and characteristic twisted shape, which makes it one of the most famous agricultural products of the territory. They are called "the 4 of Albenga": they are the spiny artichoke , the violet asparagus, the oxheart tomato and, in fact, the trumpet zucchini.
This special vegetable is one of the Ligurian excellences of which we are most proud. In this article we explain how we take care of it in our farm.
How to grow trumpet zucchini
The seasonality of trumpet zucchini goes from June to October. It should be noted, however, that they are grown at two different times: in May and mid-July. We have a total of 800 plants that are buried in different periods, at intervals of about 40 days from each other.
Just in this period we proceed with the laying on the ground of 250/300 seedlings. We follow this order because the trumpet zucchini begin to produce less than a month after the day they are planted, but already after two months the plant loses vigour. It develops quickly and bears abundant fruit for 25/30 days, and then gradually slows down production. After the peak, therefore, we need to resort to new seedlings: in this way we can have our fruits for all the summer months and until the arrival of autumn..
The preparation of the soil
The land used for the cultivation of Albenga’s zucchini is the same where we had - from December to March - our artichokes. This is because the organic residues produced by the artichoke make the soil more fertile.The soil is then ploughed and prepared for the laying of the seedlings and irrigation system.
Irrigation
In order to continue to produce a good number of fruits, especially after the peak, the trumpet zucchini plant needs a lot of water. Our two different automatic irrigation systems provide them with excellent hydration:
- Drip system (by laying on the ground)
- Planting from above
The systems are different for a simple reason. Some of our plants develop vertically: they grow in height "climbing" on rods, then rest on a wooden row. For these we use a drip irrigation system; the others, instead, develop horizontally on the open field, and for them we rely on a watering system from above, also automated.
Collection and packaging
The first zucchini are harvested at the beginning of June and continue, as we said, until October. After harvesting, the fruits can be eaten fresh even after two or three days, or you can choose to leave them in a dry place for longer. At this point the magic happens: the zucchini changes colour, becomes copper-coloured and can be kept for a long time.
In this video we show our rows of trumpet zucchini, close to the farmholidays
Another possibility is to leave the fruit attached to the plant and detach it only when it has reached the desired size. Also in this case, it can be stored in a dry place to enjoy it in autumn like a common pumpkin.
The zucchini also has delicate by-products: flowers. After careful selection, these are picked with extreme care and stored in the refrigerator, before being sold during the day to local restaurants.
Distribution
The zucchini trombetta d'Albenga is a 100% Ligurian product: it is difficult to find it outside the regional borders. This is mainly due to its high perishability and the difficulty in stowing its fruits. We have seen that it can have two different forms, depending on how it grows:
- Long and straight (pergola)
- Twisted (in contact with the ground)
In both cases, their particular conformation makes transport difficult. Their volume would, in fact, require special boxes, very wide and long.
And yet, those who know this vegetable cannot do without them: the quality is certainly superior to that of the common zucchini. The seeds are concentrated in the final swelling, and the flesh is therefore compact and tasty. There is no doubt about it: its delicate taste makes it a special ingredient for the most delicious recipes.
Where can you find our trumpet zucchini? We serve the kitchens of hotels, restaurants and some supermarkets in the area, but we always guarantee direct sales. Those who stay in one of our holiday homes in Diano Marina will benefit more than anyone else from the 0 km. But anyone can come and visit us at any time and buy our freshly harvested products. We are waiting for you!
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