Carciofo Brindisino

Carciofo Brindisino is a fresh artichoke of the Cynara cardunculus species, Scolymus subspecies, belonging to the local 'Carciofo Brindisino' ecotype, grown exclusively in eight named municipalities in the province of Brindisi, Apulia. Its early market availability, tender bud flesh, fleshy bract bases, and low fibre content are attributed to the area's sandy-calcareous soils and mild Adriatic-influenced climate.

About this designation

Registered as a PGI on 17 February 2010 under file number PGI-IT-0798 (eAmbrosia identifier EUGI00000013935), Carciofo Brindisino designates fresh artichokes of the Cynara cardunculus species, Scolymus (L.) subspecies, of the 'Carciofo Brindisino' ecotype. The production area covers the entire administrative territories of Brindisi, Cellino San Marco, Mesagne, San Donaci, San Pietro Vernotico, Torchiarolo, San Vito dei Normanni, and Carovigno. All stages of production, including harvesting, preparation, and packaging, must take place within this defined area. Harvesting is carried out by hand, with the stalk cut to a length not exceeding 10 cm. Buds released for consumption must be at least 8 cm high and at least 6 cm in diameter, with green outer bracts showing purple shading, a rounded apex that is smooth-edged or slightly serrated, no thorns or sometimes small thorns, and a stalk no more than 10 cm long. The average total fibre content must be 5 g per 100 g of edible plant. Packaging must accommodate a minimum of 1 and a maximum of 25 artichokes per unit, in containers of plant-origin material, cardboard, or other permitted recyclable material, closed with a non-reusable seal. Each package must bear the 'Carciofo Brindisino' PGI logo and the wording 'Indicazione Geografica Protetta' (or 'IGP'), together with the name and address of the packager or producer and the Community symbol.

Source: The register document this entry was written from · retrieved August 26, 2026

Distinctive facts

• Registered as a PGI on 17 February 2010 under file number PGI-IT-0798, eAmbrosia identifier EUGI00000013935.
• All production stages — growing, harvesting, preparation, and packaging — must take place within eight named municipalities in the province of Brindisi.
• Buds must measure at least 8 cm high and at least 6 cm in diameter, with an average total fibre content of 5 g per 100 g of edible plant.
• Harvesting is carried out exclusively by hand, with the stalk cut to no more than 10 cm; mechanical damage must be avoided.

Tasting notes

Apulian artichoke from Brindisi area, "Brindisino" variety. Medium-large green-violet heads, tender flesh, balanced bitter-sweet flavor.

HoReCa use

The specification notes that the low fibre content makes Carciofo Brindisino suited to a wide range of culinary uses, and that its mild taste means it is also appreciated eaten raw.

Packaging

• crate-5kg
• crate-10kg
• retail-bunch-500g

Seasonality