In the production of citrus fruits in Corsica, we mainly find clementine, the only French one. The main producers are located between Bastia and Porto Vecchio, on the heights (between 2,000 and 3,000m above sea level) of the eastern plain. The harvest lasts 3 months, depending on the varieties, between October and January.
Pomelo is also produced on the Isle of Beauty. This natural cross between a grapefruit and an orange comes from the West Indies. The first trees were planted in Corsica in the 1990s. It is a very juicy fruit and its taste is sweet, with a little acidity, but without bitterness. It is found in stores from March to June.
Citron, kumquat, orange and lemon are also grown in Corsica.
The island’s market gardeners work for environmentally friendly agriculture, in particular the recycling of waste and the implementation of organic farming. Production is mainly focused on products found in spring or summer: tomatoes, melons, peaches, watermelons, salads, eggplants, apples, plums, etc. They are picked when ripe and arrive directly in your baskets, with little storage and transport time.
Cap Corse has long been recognized for its onion production, particularly in the commune of Sisco. After being abandoned following the rural exodus during the last century, its production has been reborn in recent years.
Hazelnut production is mainly concentrated on the eastern coast in Casinca or on the Costa Verde. In this region, we find the protected designation “Noisette de Cervioni”, with its cultivation without pesticides or chemical fertilizers. It is often used as an aperitif as a dried fruit or when making dessert. It can be found in derived products such as edible oil, cream or even flour.
Almonds are grown mainly in Balagne, in traditional orchards or on the Oriental Coast, with more recent crops. Flowering lasts from February until early March. It is the leading almond producing region in France. We find them in pastries or confectionery: canistrelli, calissons, sugared almonds…
