An orchard of 7,000 hectares extends in the Val di Non and Val di Sole valleys
Image gallery: The Road of the Apples and Flavours
In the heart of the Trentino a new gastronomic initiative has been established, the so-called Road of the Apples and Flavours (Strada della Mela e dei Sapori). It is located in the Val di Non and Val di Sole valleys, at the feet of mighty mountains, such as the Brenta Dolomites, the Ortles-Cevedale massif and the Maddalene. The valleys, where apples and fruits have been in cultivation for centuries, are connected by this road.
The Road of the Apples and Flavours was named after its particularly good apples and the numerous other local delicacies in this region. The apples such as Golden Delicious, Stark Delicious and Kanada Renette taste particularly crunchy and sweet and their quality finds recognition even on European and international levels. But this region is also famous for its rich variety in meat, sausages and cheese. For example the delicious Mortandèla sausage in the Val di Non, the Trentingrana D.O.P. cheese (similar to Parmesan) or the Casolèt cheese made of fresh cow milk in the Val di Sole valley.
In September and October, when the cows and sheep come home from the alpine pastures and the time for the apple harvest hast come, autumn is really celebrated here. Among the numerous festivals is also the “Pomaria”, which takes place in the small village of Casez in the Val di Non valley, where the delicacies of the Apple Road are celebrated.
By the way, both valleys are well accessible from South Tyrol. You only have to cross the Passo Mendola mountain ridge and soon the village of Fondo is reached, which is the main village of the upper Val di Non valley!