The Tonda Gentile Romana hazelnut is one of Italy’s treasures, flourishing in the fertile volcanic soils of Viterbo. Nestled between the Cimini and Volsini mountains, and enriched by the land surrounding Lake Vico and Lake Bolsena, this area is a haven for hazelnut production. Known for its high-quality unsaturated fats, the Tonda Gentile Romanahazelnut is not only delicious but also packed with nutritional value.
Italy’s Leading Hazelnut Producer
While hazelnuts are grown in Piedmont and Campania, the Lazio region—home to Viterbo—leads the national production. In fact, 30 municipalities in the province of Viterbo alone are dedicated to growing hazelnuts. Yet despite the area’s prominence, Italy represents only 10% of the global hazelnut market, with Turkey, and the US states Georgia and Oregon leading worldwide production.
Hazelnut Project Italy: A Growing Industry
I spoke with former journalist Maurizio Bianchini from Nepi about the growing hazelnut phenomenon in Lazio. According to Maurizio, companies like Ferrero—the maker of Nutella—have launched the Hazelnut Project Italy to increase hazelnut production by 30%, aiming to reduce reliance on Turkish imports. “Ferrero wants 30% of the hazelnuts in Nutella to be of Italian origin by 2025,” Maurizio explains, “and other confectionery companies like Loacker and Elah-Dufour are following suit.”
However, the shift towards hazelnut monoculture isn’t without controversy. Environmental associations warn that intensive farming is displacing other crops and may put pressure on local water supplies, especially when trees are grown on inappropriate soils that require heavy irrigation. Maurizio shares: “This has caused divisions between farmers and environmentalists in our region.”
Practical Tips for Visiting the Tuscia Region
- Try Local Hazelnut Products: While visiting the Viterbo area, be sure to sample hazelnut-based sweets like torroncino, a traditional Italian nougat made with hazelnuts.
- Visit a Hazelnut Farm: Many farms in the region offer tours where you can learn about the production process and enjoy tastings of freshly harvested hazelnuts.
- Explore Lake Vico: Combine your love for hazelnuts with a trip to the scenic Lake Vico, where the surrounding natural beauty is just as rich as the local produce.