The “Carciofo di Paestum” IGP (Paestrum Artichoke, Protected Geographical Indication) also known as “Tondo di Paestum” (Round Paestrum), from the name of the local ecotype from which it derives, is attributable to the genetic group of artichoke type, “Romanesco”. The rounded appearance of its flower head, its high level of compactness, the absence of thorns in the bracts are the main qualitative and distinguishing characteristics of the “Carciofo di Paestum”, which have also consecrated its reputation among consumers.
Its precocity of maturation can be considered to be a positive element conferred by the cultivation environment, the Piana del Sele (Sele Plain) that allows the “Carciofo di Paestum” to be present on the market before any other artichoke of the Romanesco type.
Other typical characteristics of the product are: average size of the heads (not more than 4 per stem per kilo of product), peduncle less than 10 cm, green with purple-red hues, fleshy receptacle and particularly tasty.
The commercial characteristics of the “Carciofo di Paestum” described above are also the result of the precise and laborious cultivation, which agricultural operators of the Piana del Sele have refined over the decades. The cool, rainy climate during the long production period (February-May), which characterizes this area, also contributes to the typical, appreciated tenderness and delicacy of the product.
The refined characteristics of the “Carciofo di Paestum” IGP allow this product to be a highly appreciated ingredient in the kitchen, where it is used in the preparation of various traditional recipes and local dishes such as pizza with artichokes, artichoke paste and artichoke lasagne, particularly appreciated by the many tourists who visit the Sele Plain and in particular the Temples of Paestum.