Plum Pruno di Vruno, Pruno ri Vruno, Pruno vruno
Product included in the national list of traditional agri-food products (PAT)
PAT type : Vegetable products in their natural or processed state
Technical data sheet of the traditional agri-food product (PAT)
Production area: The municipalities of Altofonte and Monreale, within the Palermo metropolitan area (identified by the Presidential Decree of the Sicily Region dated August 10, 1995). These territories historically belonged to the Norman King William II and subsequently to the Archdiocese of Monreale.
Brief product description: Small, ellipsoidal fruits with a purplish skin and a deep yellow interior. The plums are 3-3,5 cm in diameter and have a sweet flavor that intensifies as they ripen. As they ripen, the fruit gradually becomes more colorful, becoming "vruno" when fully ripe. The trees are vigorous, and their branches form clusters of plums (this behavior is referred to by the dialect term "rapparine"). This variety is decidedly juicy, and for this reason, the stones tend to remain attached to the flesh. Ripening occurs in July.
Description of the processing and maturing methods: The cultivation of the plum trees takes place
with the normal agricultural techniques used in fruit growing. However, particular attention is paid to the harvesting phases, which require a high level of specialization. Harvesting is done manually, trying to keep the stalk intact and to remove as little bloom (white powder on the surface of the fruit) as possible.
Specific materials and equipment used for preparation and packaging: During the harvest, traditional wicker baskets called “panari” or “panarotti” and ladders are used, which are delicately placed on the strongest branches.
Description of processing, storage and maturing rooms: No particular and/or specific rooms required.
Evidence that the methods have been practiced consistently and according to traditional rules for a period of no less than 25 years: The Pruno di Vruno plums are cited in several historical texts.
In the Monreale territory there are several specimens of more than twenty-five years old.
The variety is mentioned in the "REPERTORY OF SICILIAN AUTOCTONE CULTIVARS / ACCESSIONS OF THE MAIN FRUIT TREE SPECIES" (Annex A DA 11 of 18/01/2011)
of the Department of Agricultural and Food Resources of the Sicilian Region in the section "SUSINO (Prunus Domestica L. and similar)" as SUS 20 - SUSINO - PRUNO DI VRUNO.
Source Pat Cards: Sicily Region
Card insertion: Ignazio Caloggero
Photo: web
Informational contributions : Web, Sicily Region
Note : Population of the Heritage database records proceeds in incremental phases: cataloging, georeferencing, and information and image entry. The cultural asset in question has been cataloged and initial information has been entered. To enrich the information content, further contributions are welcome. If you wish, you can contribute through our " Your Contributions " section.