The Precious Fruits of Sant’Orsola

The Mountains and Fruits of Trentino
Valsugana, Val dei Mocheni, Altopiano di Pinè and Vigolana are the heart of the production area of the Sant’Orsola Cooperative in Pergine Valsugana. The Cooperative has directed all its efforts towards the production of red fruits, which are indigenous to the forests of Trentino – such as late-ripening strawberries and cherries. The colour and fragrance of the strawberry are enhanced by the cool alpine climate and adequate exposure to sunlight. Wild strawberries originate from a variety that grows spontaneously in the woods, of which it retains all the flavour. Raspberries and blueberries are harvested in late September - early October at 1,500-1,800m, as well as a sweet and fragrant variety of mulberries. Currants come in different colours: the redcurrant is sour, whereas the white-yellow type is slightly sweeter. The blackcurrant has a distinctively strong flavour. Finally, the mountain cherry has a late ripening and can be easily recognised by its crunchy sweet flesh.

Nutritional, disease-preventing and therapeutic properties of red fruit
The large amount of vitamins C and A, antioxidants, minerals and organic acids is instrumental in maintaining the acid-base balance in the body. The pigments, known as flavonoids, have anti-inflammatory, anti-allergenic, anti-viral and anti-carcinogenic effects. Furthermore, they have an important role in the body functioning, protecting blood vessels and the body from any damage related to the action of free radicals.

The production
All the fruits are grown with integrated farming techniques, which imply very small use of chemical products, usually only when necessary. The berries are hand-picked in the coolest hours of the day and immediately stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, in order to preserve their organoleptic properties.