- BY ISSIMO
- April 10, 2024
It might not be the most handsome of vegetables, but the carciofo (artichoke) is definitely the star of the garden, and the star of the show in Ladispoli. One of our favourite events in the region’s cultural and gastronomic calendar is almost here, Ladispoli’s Sagra del Carciofo! This annual festival is dedicated to locally-grown Carciofo Romanesco, and takes place from 12-14 April (now in its 71st edition!)
What to expect at the Sagra? You’ll discover more about this beloved vegetable in all its forms, meet local growers, chefs and artisans, and of course, taste your fair share of traditional Roman artichoke-based dishes. But that’s just the beginning! This three-day event really is a ‘festival’ in every sense of the word, with a program of live music performances, special guests, workshops and demonstrations, exhibitions and a lineup of artisanal stalls with something for the whole family.
Of course, we don’t need a reason to celebrate our beloved carciofi, but we’ll never say no to a three-day long sagra that’s right on our doorstep at La Posta Vecchia!
The origins of Carciofo Romanesco and Ladispoli’s Sagra
Carciofo Romanesco have origins dating back to ancient times, when the vegetable was used in ancient Greek and Egyptian civilisations both for eating and for its therapeutic properties. Romanesco Artichokes in particular are likely to have been first cultivated across the region of Lazio and beyond by the Etruscans.
A robust and diverse vegetable with a clean, earthy taste that lends itself to many different dishes and other ingredients, artichoke crops have been cultivated by local farmers and townspeople across Lazio for hundreds of years, with modern technology and machinery only serving to strengthen the region’s production of the vegetable.
Like all sagre across Italy’s regions, Ladispoli’s Sagra del Carciofo has evolved from historical collective rituals of harvesting, cooking and eating Carciofi Romanesco as a community over the years. Taking place every April during peak harvest time, the festival is as much a celebration of community and local producers as it is about the vegetable itself.
The Star of the Show
What makes Carciofo Romanesco (also referred to as mammole or cimaroli) different to other varieties grown across Italy including the ‘artichoke of Chioggia’ (Veneto), the ‘thorny artichoke’ (Sardinia), the ‘violet artichoke’ (Sicily)?
It has a softer heart than other varieties, and it tends to be more bitter, which makes for a more intense flavour profile depending on how it’s cooked. Dishes you can expect to try at the Sagra del Carciofo include those Roman classics we all know and love including carciofi alla romana, carciofi alla giudìa, or perhaps in a pasta dish like Tonnarelli alla Gricia con carciofi. You might even enjoy them as simply as the Ancient Romans did – pickled in vinegar and honey and seasoned with spices. Buonissimo!
Artichoke Gastronomic Experience at La Posta Vecchia
We’re so lucky to be surrounded by a vibrant community of artichoke growers, producers and artisans at La Posta Vecchia, so we decided to create a special Artichoke Gastronomic Experience that brings the taste, heritage and versatility of this culinary gem into the hotel for you to savour during your stay. Our package includes a one night stay, an aperitivo, and specially-curated dinner menu celebrating carciofi in all its glory!
Did someone say artichoke aperitif? That’s just the beginning ! After savouring a specially crafted artichoke-inspired cocktail, you’ll be treated to an artichoke-themed dinner that celebrates the flavour and versatility of this ingredient over several delectable courses. Yes, there’s even an artichoke-inspired dessert in store for you that’s quite unlike anything you’ve tasted before. Trust us!
This special Artichoke Gastronomic Experience only happens once a year, so be sure to contact La Posta Vecchia’s reservations team for bookings and more information.
