ISHS Acta Horticulturae 752: I International Conference on Indigenous Vegetables and Legumes. Prospectus for Fighting Poverty, Hunger and Malnutrition
VALORIZATION OF RURAL AREAS IN THE PIEDMONT REGION: FROM CUISINE TO CULTIVATION OF INDIGENOUS MEDITERRANEAN SPECIES |
| Authors: | S. Nicola, J. Hoeberechts, E. Fontana |
| Keywords: | Salad herbs, wild harvest, Rosmarinus officinalis L., Thymus serpyllum L., T. vulgaris L., Lavandula officinalis Chaix, Salvia officinalis L. |
| Abstract:
Food tradition reflects the culture and the history of a population. The cuisine in Piedmont is one of the most diversified and refined in Italy, not only because of the French influence, but also because of the different geomorphological and climatic conditions of the region. Recent interest in old traditions has catalysed the rediscovery of indigenous vegetable species. In the past, several species were utilized, but at present only a few are commercially important. The exploitation of indigenous species highlights the potentiality of valorizing not only other forgotten species, which could also have high nutritional or functional value, but also improving some rural areas. This paper refers to a few studies that have been carried out in the Piedmont Region in recent years to promote the cultivation of minor crops, such as rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.), thyme (Thymus serpyllum L., T. vulgaris L.), lavender (Lavandula officinalis Chaix, L. hybrida Rev.) and sage (Salvia officinalis L., Salvia spp.) and to make them available in markets by developing local production. The valorization of local products is an opportunity to safeguard marginal land for biodiversity preservation, to improve the economy of local populations and to enlarge the food basket to obtain a more diversified diet. | |
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