MARRONE DEL MUGELLO PGI CHESTNUT NUTRITIONAL AND ORGANOLEPTIC QUALITY

Chestnut has been cultivated in the Mugello territory (Tuscany) since the Roman Empire. Marrone del Mugello chestnut was awarded PGI recognition (Protected Geographical Indication) for its typical natural and biological characteristics with EC Regulation n.1263/96. This paper reports the main results obtained evaluating Marrone del Mugello PGI in its complexity of components by chemical and sensorial tests of three samples from different areas in the Marrone del Mugello PGI territory. Chemical analysis reveals high nutritional value and healthy compounds (micronutrients, vitamins, antioxidants), justifying Marrone del Mugello PGI as part of the Mediterranean diet. Sensory analysis provides a qualitative and quantitative characterization of Marrone del Mugello PGI taste and flavour.