The Pink Apple of the Sibillini Mountains and Monte San Martino

Let's get to know the Pink Apple of the Sibillini Mountains

Small, irregular, slightly flattened at the poles and with pink hues on the skin: the Pink Apple of the Sibillini Mountains-also known as the Marches Pink Apple-is an ancient variety grown in the inland territories of the Marches. Its tart, sugary flavor and intense fragrance make it unique. Despite its inconspicuous appearance, it is a fruit with a long shelf life: it can be harvested in October and last until April, keeping its qualities intact. A true excellence of the Sibillini Mountains.

Forgotten fruit and Slow Food protection: why it is so special

This variety is considered one of the forgotten fruits: once widespread in family orchards, the Sibillini pink apple has risked disappearing because of large-scale distribution, which favors more standardized varieties. Fortunately, its value has been recognized by Slow Food, which has included it among the Slow Food presidia in the Marche region. It is a rustic fruit, which does not require intensive chemical treatments, and is an important symbol of local agricultural biodiversity.

The Pink Apple Festival in Monte San Martino.

The best way to discover and taste the Sibillini Mountains' pink apple is to attend the Pink Apple Festival, held every November in Monte San Martino, a small village in the Sibillini Mountains in the province of Macerata. During the festival, local producers offer this extraordinary fruit for sale and celebrate it with traditional recipes. It is the perfect opportunity to taste the Marche's pink apple on its own and on the plate, and take some home for personal stash.