Villa Necchi Campiglio in Milan welcomes the XIII edition of “Citrus. Knowledge and flavors from the Mediterranean “An unmissable event that offers visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in Mediterranean biodiversity. Between tastings, meetings with experts and sensory paths, participants will be able to explore the wonders of these extraordinary fruits
A unique event in the heart of Milan: “Citrus, knowledge and flavors from the Mediterranean” At Villa Necchi Campiglio
Villa Necchi Campiglio, one of the architectural masterpieces of the 1930s designed by the architect Piero Portaluppi, is a symbol of the high industrial bourgeoisie Lombardy. Today, the complex is protected by FAI (Fund for the Italian Environment) and represents a meeting space for cultural events, exhibitions and initiatives dedicated to the enhancement of the historical and naturalistic heritage of Milan.
On the occasion of the event “Citrus fruits, knowledge and flavors from the Mediterranean“, The garden of the villa and the covered tennis court will be transformed into an outdoor stage where visitors will be able to explore the richness of the Mediterranean fruits, discovering rare varieties, traditions and innovations and appreciating their nutritional, aromatic and medicinal properties.
A journey through the flavors, perfumes and the history of citrus fruits
The event is not limited to being a simple exposure of plants and fruits, but becomes an immersive experience that involves all the senses. Thanks to tastings led by Consortium for the protection of the red orange of Sicily PGIParticipants will be able to explore the aromatic shades of this precious variety and discover its nutritional benefits.
Special attention will be reserved for the pompìa, a rare endemic lemon of Sardinia, with extraordinary medicinal properties, with the possibility of buying natural cosmetics made with this exclusive ingredient.
In addition, among the most engaging activities, visitors will be able to admire the botanical photography of Marco Beck Peccoz, who, with his artistic gaze, captures the hidden beauty of citrus fruits, often invisible to the naked eye.
It will also be possible to participate in an olfactory-sensorial path, edited by “Olfactory furnishing consultant” Francesca Giuffrida (an expert who uses the perfume to create unique atmospheres and improve the sensory experience of the environments). This experience will allow visitors to discover not only the visual beauty of citrus fruits, but also to appreciate their olfactory intensity.
It will also be possible to savor the café flavored with lemon prepared by Salvatore Iacaccarino, former custodian of the Baia di Ierantoa naturalistic paradise of the Sorrento coast protected by FAI.
A gastronomic and cultural experience enriched by experts in the sector
The event program includes meetings with industry experts to deepen the link between citrus, landscape and culture. Professor Giuseppe Barbera, professor of arboreal crops at the University of Palermo, will present his book “Sicily. Trees and landscapes ”in a dialogue with the Sicilian photographer Ferdinando Scianna.
As a icing on the cake, participants will be able to attend the preparation of the traditional Sicilian granita at the Mandarin of Ciaculli, a unique variety that grows in the fertile and sunny land in the area of the country of the same name, near Palermo.
This mandarin, with a sweet and aromatic flavor, is considered one of the best citrus fruits in the world for the production of granite. Made by the master ice cream maker Antonio Cappadonia, this granita represents the authentic Sicilian tradition.
Sunday 16 February, Barbera will also participate in a debate together with other experts.
Among these, Vicente Todolì, artistic director of Pirelli Hangar Bicocca of Milan (a cultural space and center for contemporary art, a former company of the company specialized in the production of tires), the nurseryman Davide Chiaravalli, to explore the profound link between citrus and territory and the professor Alessandra Gentile of the University of Catania, who will talk about the deep link between citrus and territory.
An inclusive event, accessible to everyone
A distinctive aspect of the event is his attention to inclusion, with particular regard for people with intellectual disabilities. In collaboration with the Association “The skill” and the project “Museum for everyone”a simplified language brochure was created, to allow all visitors to follow the event easily. The information material includes introductory cards, a visual agenda with scheduled activities and a check-in card, making the experience accessible and participatory for everyone.
The information material includes introductory cards, a visual agenda with scheduled activities and a check-in card, which allows you to participate actively and awarely. In addition, FAI staff was trained to welcome and assist visitors with special needs, guaranteeing inclusive and accessible experience.
This initiative, supported by Viatris, sponsor of the project, testifies to the commitment of Fai to make culture and nature accessible to everyone, without barriers. At this point, we spend a few words on these extraordinary fruits.
Citrus fruits: a millennial heritage of history and biodiversity
The citrus fruits, with their unmistakable perfume and the unique flavor, are the protagonists of a long story that has its roots in the mists of time. Originally from Southeast Asia, in particular of the regions between India, China and Malaysia, they were introduced in the Mediterranean thanks to commercial exchanges and explorations.
The first varieties, like cedar (Citrus medica)In fact, they arrived in Europe through the caravan routes and Persian merchants. The first, appreciated by the ancient Romans for the penetrating aroma and medicinal properties, soon became a fruit of consumer consumer in the provinces of the empire.
However, it was with the arrival of the Arab dominations that citrus fruits began to spread in the Mediterranean, with the introduction of bitter orange and lemon, which found fertile ground and ideal climate especially in Sicily.
The introduction of sweet orange, which we consume today daily, dates back to the fifteenth century, thanks to the Portuguese navigators who imported it from China. Over the centuries, the cultivation of these fruits in Sicily extended to such an extent that it becomes not only a distinctive element of the landscape, but also a fundamental pillar of the island’s agricultural economy.
Sicilian oranges, in particular, are now famous all over the world for their sweetness and aromatic peculiarities, which make them perfect to be used both fresh and worked in juices, jams or for the production of cosmetics.
In short, a heritage to be protected.