The Cervere leek is a unique product with a thin shaft. The most appreciated section is the white, most tender part, of about 60 cm. The fruit is a roundish capsule containing two or three black, angular seeds that resemble those of the onion. It has an attractive aspect and a sweet and pleasant taste.
Production Area
The typical production area of this product is the town of Cervere in the Province of Cuneo.
How it is made
Leeks are gathered in autumn at various stages, and may be easily preserved in winter if protected against the cold and in a dark and closed environment.
It is generally sold in bundles weighing 4-10 kg with the green part cut off. Leek production is done with a seed obtained from a local selection of the traditional type known as "Cervere" of the winter, long leek variety.
History
Some historians have hypothesized a Celtic origin, dating back to 3,000 years B.C. Leeks were known and cultivated in ancient Egypt 2,000 years before Christ; as narrated by the hierogliphics of the pyramids, the leek was eaten by slaves who were building the cyclopean structures. Through the years, the cultivation of the leek transferred from the Nile valley to the Greek-Roman areas. Several ancient authors cite this plant which is widely described by Plinio as "porrum" of the Romans. The leek belongs to a small group of plants that, throughout the Middle Ages, have contributed to resolving food problems during the recurring famines and pestilence that in those times plagued the population. At Cervere, the production is related to the methods of cultivation handed down from generation to generation, that are difficult to adapt to any type of mechanization so it still utilizes a strong component of manual labour that obstructs large scale production.
Interesting features
Leeks from Cervere may be cooked in various ways, by using the white part of the stem. The leek festival is organized every year in the municipality of Cervere where there are meetings to discuss the latest production and gastronomic techniques that highlight, exalt and publicize the important organoleptic virtues of this prized vegetable. The consortium that values and safeguards the leeks of Cervere was established in November 1996, sponsored by the Province of Cuneo, the Chamber of Commerce, the municipality of Cervere and association of producers and economic operators of the sector.
