Best Italian Apple Types
Traditionally cultivated in the fertile Non and Sole valleys nestled along the Noce River banks, Mela Val di Non refers to fresh apples of the Golden Delicious, Renetta Canada and Red Delicious varieties, grown within the province of Trento.
Depending on the variety, the flesh of these juicy apples ranges from crunchy and sour to pasty and sweet. Being an extremely versatile fruit, Val di Non apples can be used in a wide number of recipes. Golden and Red Delicious varieties are most often found in various starters, salads, pork and game based dishes or even drinks, while Renetta is the main ingredient in numerous desserts such as apple cakes, pies, strudels and fritters.
Also known by their German name Südtiroler Apfeln, Mela Alto Adige are apples grown traditionally in the province of Bolzano and are available in the following varieties: Braeburn, Elstar, Fuji, Gala, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, Idared, Jonagold, Morgenduft, Red Delicious, Stayman Winesap, Pinova and Topaz.
Settled in a valley nestled at the foot of the Dolomites, Bolzano features a semi-continental climate with hot summers which provides ideal conditions for the slow ripening of Alto Adige apples. They are easily distinguished by a particularly fragrant aroma, firm and juicy flesh and a long shelf-life.
Traditionally cultivated in the fertile lands of the Campanian volcanic arc and Phlegraean Fields, Melannurca Campana refers to fresh apples of the Annurca and Rossa del Sud varieties which are today grown within the provinces of Avellino, Benevento, Caserta, Naples, and Salerno.
Unlike many other varieties, the method of harvesting Melannurca Campana is somewhat unusual: the apples are picked while still green, and left to ripen on the ground until they acquire their distinctive rusty-red color. The juicy Melannurca Campana apples have a firm, crunchy and slightly sour flavored flesh, and an intense fruity aroma.
The apples of Valtellina are fresh fruits of the Red Delicious, Golden Delicious and Gala varieties grown within the province of Sondrio which is located in the heart of the Alpine valley of Valtellina. Even though it was once cultivated only for ornamental purposes, as of 1920s Mela di Valtellina became one of the most important crops of the local agricultural economy.
If not enjoyed fresh, the tasty apples of Valtellina are used in a number of different recipes, one of which definitely worth trying is Pennette alla Milady, a local pasta dish served with a rich, flavorful sauce made with cream, apples, sultanas, Worcestershire sauce and brandy.
Grown in the Piedmont provinces of Cuneo and Turin, Mela Rossa Cuneo refers to fresh apples of the Red Delicious, Gala, Fuji and Braeburn varieties. The temperate sub-continental climate of the production area featured by cold winters and hot, dry summers provides the perfect conditions for apple growing, and the orchards are positioned in such a way that the tree crowns are maximally exposed to the sun which gives Cuneo apples their distinctive, bright red color.
Because of its particularly firm, crunchy and juicy flesh, Mela Rossa Cuneo is often used as an ingredient in numerous recipes of the local cuisine, some of which are Polpette alla Cuneese - veal and apple meatballs, Cuneo apples and rice soufflé or Cuneo apples and saffron pasta.
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