From the mid-high Calabrian Tyrrhenian coastline comes Cipolla Rossa di Tropea Calabria IGP (or PGI Calabrian Tropea Red Onion), a typical Italian delicacy with centuries of tradition and flavour.

Grown and packaged according to specific Production Guidelines, which set the rules that everyone in the supply chain must follow, guaranteeing product quality and protecting the consumer, Cipolla Rossa di Tropea Calabria IGP comes from an area surrounded by the provinces of Cosenza, Catanzaro and Vibo Valentia. The special qualities of this variety depend on the specific soil and climate conditions in this area – the characteristics of the soil, the proximity to the sea, how long the day lasts, the temperature and humidity – a fortunate combination which makes this crop unique and unrepeatable in other regions.

Known for its purplish-red colour, due to the presence of anthocyanin (a type of flavonoid), Cipolla Rossa di Tropea Calabria IGP – known as the “Red Gold of Calabria” – also stands out over white and brown onions for its sweetness and crunchiness, which make it particularly versatile in the kitchen. In fact, it is excellent eaten both cooked and raw – in rich salads – or even used in sweet recipes, such as marmalades and jams, which go perfectly with bold-flavoured cheeses. It is delicious in sweet and sour sauce or caramelised, for enhancing meat or fish dishes, as a base for making sauces for first courses or as the main ingredient of delicious omelettes.

Since 2008, Cipolla Rossa di Tropea Calabria has been included on the European list of “Protected Designation of Origin and Geographical Indication” and is protected by Consorzio Cipolla Rossa di Tropea Calabria IGP (the PGI Calabrian Tropea Red Onion Consortium), which promotes and regulates the special production and qualities of this typical delicacy, to preserve and convey its history, tradition and unique nature. Romagnoli F.lli is one of the companies that help spread this heritage vegetable across Italy, meaning people can keep using this precious ingredient in the best examples of Italian cuisine.

Image: Canva