istorical documents from the 13th, 14th, 17th and 19th centuries describe the importance of San Zeno chestnuts in the local economy of this area of the province of Verona. They provide us with detailed information on where the best plantations were located and on how chestnuts were picked and sent to the weekly markets. The area has enjoyed a strong revival of chestnut markets since the end of World War II.
The earliest written account of chestnut production in this region dates back to 1285. It mentions chestnut trees in the territory of Lubiara, on the southeastern slopes of Mount Baldo. Another document from the same area, dated 1352, tells of a dispute between the monks of the Monastery of Santa Anastasia of Verona and the Malaspina family over various types of orchards, among others, those of chestnut trees.
In the late 1800s chestnut production spread from Mount Baldo to Valle del Tasso and the communes of Malcesine, Brenzone, Castion di Costermano and, in particular, to the district of San Zeno di Montagna, which today is the heart of San Zeno D.O.P. chestnut production.
Traditionally, chestnuts are either roasted in large perforated skillets, placed directly over the flame, or boiled in water. Chestnuts can also be made into flour, which is then used to prepare delicious flat cakes or biscuits, like castagnaccio. For many centuries, chestnuts were considered the staple food of the people living in the mountainous areas in the province of Verona, where chestnut flour was used as the main ingredient for the preparation of bread, pasta and polenta.
