Tortona Strawberry (Fragola di Tortona)

Fragola di Tortona is an Italian strawberry variety originating from Tortona, hence the name. These strawberries are not much larger than raspberries in size. They are highly perfumed and fragrant, with a delicate and sweet flavor. The strawberries are grown on the hills surrounding Tortona, and they peaked in popularity in the 1930s.

Nowadays, the strawberries are traditionally sold in woven wood baskets. They don't keep well – when picked in the morning, they must be consumed the same day, otherwise they will start to deteriorate. The harvest takes place between May and June and the strawberries are available only for ten days.

Interestingly, the crisis due to pollination difficulties had started after WWII, but nowadays a few producers still grow these fragrant strawberries on local hills and nearby fields.