The Zucchella Plum

Taste

The Zucchella Plum

The Zucchella Plum is a small and firm, but also really juicy fruit. The origin of its name seems to derive from this last characteristic, which could be defined as “Suchéla”.

Even though little is known about the etymology, its route to Brescello and the nearby lands seems certain: apparently, it was Marie Louise of Austria – whose dukedom extended up to the area of Guastalla, at the beginning of the 19th century – who imported it. It seems that the Duchess really appreciated this variety of plum, which was brought here by manpower of Slavic origin, who she had recruited to work in her lands. 

In the Reggio Emilia province, it is cultivated mainly in Lentigione, a hamlet near Brescello: the name “Prugna di Lentigione” derives from this local tradition. The Municipality of Brescello and its producers, gathered in the “Associazione per la valorizzazione della Prugna di Lentigione” have launched initiatives aimed at spreading a better knowledge of this variety, to promote its enhancement. The lands once bathed by the waters of the river Po provide the best habitat for the cultivation of this plum, given that the soil is rich in iron and elements that provide the fruit extra sweetness. Their high sugar content makes it possible to obtain excellent quality jams, with the addition of a small amount of sugar: only 100 grams per kilogram of pulp. There is only 10% sugar in the Lentigione Plum jams, a percentage that is unrivalled when compared to other jams.

Nearby

golena di gualtieri vista

The Golena of Gualtieri


Audioguida ITA

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The gualtieri flood plain offers significant opportunities from the naturalistic point of view in the different seasons of the year. The territory enclosed between the master's embankment and the Po riverbed is very complex and diversified, including both naturalistic and anthropological aspects.

Brescello Monastero San Benedetto

Monastery of San Benedetto


Following a legacy by the Duchess Eleonora d'Este, in the second half of the 15th century, the Benedictine nuns became owners of the Monastery, until the advent of the Cisalpine Republic. Then, in 1758, the religious order was suppressed. As early as 1553, the Monastery was home to a school for convent girls. Later, in 1798, the Monastery was suppressed. In 1873, the Municipality of Brescello became owner of the building and transformed it into a military barrack. At the beginning of the 20th century, the building wing overlooking “Via Primo Maggio” was used as an elementary school, whereas most of the building was residential or the seat of small workshops. In 1933, the south and west wings were demolished, while the main body of the building housed the “Casa del Fascio”, and served as a location for meetings and orchestra rehearsals.