"Favetta di Terracina" strawberries 

Grown in the Sand a Few Meters from the Sea

The red treasure of the Pontine Plain that conquered the world by refusing to grow elsewhere

The Favetta Strawberries of TerracinaCeci Ermanno Farm

Terracina Favetta strawberries are absolutely unique in the global fruit scene: a variety that has chosen its territory and stubbornly refused to adapt elsewhere, remaining faithful to the few hectares of sand in the Pontine Plain where it originated in the 50s. These extraordinary strawberries have unmistakable characteristics that clearly distinguish them from any other variety: a round-circular, almost spherical (conical-rounded) shape reminiscent of wild strawberries rather than the typical elongated-conical shape of modern "fragoloni" strawberries; an intermediate size, much larger than wild strawberries but decidedly smaller and more harvestable than giant commercial strawberries from outside Europe; a uniform, intense, brilliant red color that testifies to perfect ripening in the sun; and above all, an extraordinarily sweet flavor, an intense and persistent aroma, and a perfectly balanced, delicate acidity that create an unforgettable taste experience.

Cultivation takes place exclusively in the Pontine Plain, an area of ​​just over 100 hectares concentrated between Terracina, Fondi, Monte San Biagio, and neighboring municipalities, in extraordinary sandy soils: fine sand of dune and marine origin enriched by centuries of organic nutrients, located just meters from the Tyrrhenian Sea in a coastal strip where constant sea breezes, high nighttime humidity with abundant dew, moderate temperature variations, and above all the unique mineralogical composition of the sand create an absolutely unique microclimate and terroir. It is precisely this magical combination of soil and climate factors that makes the Favetta "territorial monogamous": attempts to cultivate it elsewhere—even just a few kilometers from the ideal growing area—have systematically failed, producing inferior fruit, poor productivity, or even failure to establish altogether.

The rigid seasonality (late March to May, a maximum of 8-10 weeks per year) makes these strawberries even more precious and desirable: they are not available year-round like commercial everbearing or forced greenhouse varieties, but follow the natural rhythms of the Mediterranean spring, ripening slowly in the sun and concentrating sugars, aromas, and nutrients. Harvesting is strictly done by hand when the fruit has reached perfect ripeness (uniform red, intense aroma), requiring frequent passes through the rows because each plant ripens gradually and each strawberry must be picked at the optimal time. This is artisanal, patient, and respectful work that cannot be mechanized without compromising quality.

The roots of Favetta lie in a French experiment that became part of the Pontine heritage

In the late 50s, a French seed company proposed to farmers in the Pontine Plain—an area that the Fascist regime had reclaimed from malarial marshes in the 30s, transforming it into fertile agricultural land—that they experiment with a new strawberry variety called "Favette." The French company's intention was ambitious: to spread this cultivar worldwide by leveraging its international marketing network. Seeds were distributed, Pontine farmers planted strawberries with curiosity and hope, and cultivation began.

But something unexpected happened: the Favette proved extraordinary in the Pontine Plain—extraordinarily sweet, fragrant, and productive—but when the French company attempted to replicate the results elsewhere in Europe and the world, the variety performed horribly: tasteless fruit, poor yields, and weak plants. The Favette had "chosen" its territory and categorically refused to adapt elsewhere. This incredibly sweet fruit could only thrive in the Pontine Plain, so the French company, disappointed by the inability to market the variety globally, decided not to renew the patent and abandoned the project.

But the Pontine farmers, who had discovered an unexpected treasure, did not give up: since then, seed conservation has been carried out by the local farmers themselves, selecting the best plants, allowing them to fully flower, collecting the seeds (achenes), and replanting them season after season, keeping the cultivar alive through traditional mass selection. This painstaking work of peasant varietal conservation has saved the Favetta from extinction, transforming it from a failed commercial experiment to a key part of the Pontine community's identity, today protected by the "Fragola di Terracina IGP" (Protected Geographical Indication) designation, which certifies its origin, cultivation methods, and quality.

Choosing Favetta Strawberries means concentrated antioxidants and vitamin C

Strawberries are among the fruits richest in beneficial compounds: vitamin C in very high concentrations (about 60mg per 100g, more than citrus fruits), polyphenolic antioxidants (anthocyanins responsible for the red color, ellagic acid, quercetin, kaempferol) with powerful anti-inflammatory and cell-protective properties, folic acid (vitamin B9) important for DNA synthesis and particularly crucial during pregnancy, manganese for bone metabolism and antioxidant, potassium for electrolyte balance, and fiber that supports digestion.

Thanks to open-field cultivation in mineralized marine sand, slow and natural ripening in the spring sun, and the variety's unique genetics, Favetta strawberries concentrate these nutrients at higher levels than modern commercial strawberries, which are often harvested unripe to withstand long transport routes. Their intensely sweet flavor comes from the high content of natural sugars (fructose, glucose, sucrose), perfectly balanced by a delicate acidity (citric acid, malic acid), creating a sublime sensory balance. Naturally low in calories (about 30-35 kcal per 100g), they are the perfect fruit for low-calorie diets that don't want to sacrifice pleasure.

How to Best Use: Terracina Favetta Strawberries

• PURE TASTING AND CLASSIC FRUIT MIX
  Enjoy Favetta Strawberries in their natural state to fully appreciate their sweetness and aroma, at most with a hint of organic cane sugar and juice of  Organic Amalfi Coast lemonPrepare a spring fruit salad. Serve with whipped cream, ice cream,  Organic Greek yogurt. Macerate with White wine, Prosecco, balsamic vinegar aged.
• SWEETS, TARTS AND GOURMET DESSERTS
  Use for strawberry tarts with custard, strawberry tiramisu, cheesecake, and panna cotta. Make mousses, semifreddos, and charlottes. Add to millefeuille, plová, and shortcake.
• JAMS, SMOOTHIES AND CREATIVE PREPARATIONS
  Make homemade strawberry jam and cocktail syrup. Use in smoothies, milkshakes, and juices. Make sorbet, granita, and popsicles. Add to salads with rocket salad, goat cheese, Organic Sorrento walnuts.

The Producer: Ceci Ermanno Farm

The Ceci Ermanno Farm in Terracina is the custodian of a unique fruit-growing tradition, cultivating prized Favetta strawberries with passion and expertise in the sandy soils of the Pontine Plain, just meters from the sea. With methods that respect the variety's natural rhythms, hand-picking at the perfect stage of ripeness, and a dedication to superior quality rather than maximum quantity, Ceci Ermanno brings strawberries to Italian tables that speak of an extraordinary terroir and a history of unparalleled varietal fidelity. Each basket is a testament to love for the Pontine land and for a fruit that has chosen not to betray it.

Product Features

• Variety: Favetta (Favette) – a unique cultivar in the world
• Origin: Terracina, Pontine Plain (Lazio)
• Cultivation area: Approximately 100 hectares of coastal sand
• Shape: Round-circular, conical-rounded almost spherical
• Size: Intermediate (larger than wild strawberries, smaller than wild strawberries)
• Color: Uniform intense red
• Taste: Extraordinarily sweet, very intense aroma
• Seasonality: Late March-May (8-10 weeks)

Indicative Nutritional Values ​​(per 100g of fresh product):

Energy approximately 30-35 kcal, Carbohydrates 7-8g (of which sugars 5-6g), Fiber 2g, Protein 0,7g, Fat <0,5g, Vitamin C 60mg (100% RDA), Folic acid, Manganese, Potassium, Polyphenolic antioxidants (anthocyanins, ellagic acid).

Follow us on Instagram for lots of news: @alpassofood

We answer all your questions about WhatsApp