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On Barbara Kornfeld
Those who taste it probably do not imagine that he risked extinction after the Second World War and faced with various threats, including the color and size of an American variety, and the cholera that hit Naples in August 1973; also for this since 2006 It is an IGP product (Protected geographical indication, measure: Reg. Ce n.417 del 10/03/2006): the melanan, also called Annurca apple “campana"Because it is a precious fruit and vegetable product typical of this region, present since the pre -Roman age, So much so that the precious fruit is depicted in various domus within the archaeological excavations of Pompeii and Herculaneum, Above all the Cervi House. We owe a first trace of its origins to Pliny the Elder, in the first century AD, When he talks about it in his treaty, hypothesizing its origin in the Pozzuoli area.
Beyond historical digressions, The melannurca is delicious and very healthy, so much so that it is used for the preparation of several supplements. It is useful for counteracting high cholesterol (two are enough a day, according to doctors), hair loss - which also makes shine in the sense of brightness of the capillary fiber - as it contains a high content of polyphenols (Procianidina B2) which not only contrasts the fall but promotes hair regrowth, has diuretic properties, reinforce the muscles, has antioxidant power, It is indicated in the diabetics diet. Its peel contains vitamin C which enhances the immune defenses, protecting the body from infections, it is rich in oxalic acid, which favors the hygiene of the oral cavity and whitens the teeth.
It is easily recognizable, as small, rossa, asymmetrical shape, crisp, vaguely acidule and juicy: like adults and children, In the kitchen it is extremely versatile, both for sweet and savory recipes.
The Consortium for the protection of the Melanger Capell arose in 2005 in Caserta (http://www.melannurca.it) It is currently legally represented by Giuseppe Giaccio: The role of the consortium is fundamental because this fruit condenses eighty percent of regional apples production and five percent national, with an induced equal to forty millions of euros, corresponding to about sixty thousand tons per year.
The surface occupied by the production extends over four thousand hectares, of which - al 2005 - Less than three hundred are registered with the PGI system, involves all the provinces of the Campania Region; The destination markets are mainly located in the regional area, in Lazio; A third of the production reaches the Piedmontese distribution, Tuscany and Lombardy.
Melannurca production requires rather laborious processing and care phases: The collection of fruits takes place in mid -September, When they are immature - to prevent the fall on the ground from the trees damages them - they are exposed to the sun for fifteen days, Then turn and deposed on a straw bed obtained from the threshing waste. Each row of apples is delimited by lateral drains to flow the water that could exudate around the fruits.
Melannurca production companies are scattered throughout the regional territory, often small size: traditional ones belong to the Vesuvian and Flegrea area. There is also a precious document of the Istituto Luce which shows the collection and processing in Casoria in November of 1934.
