A mountainous island community on Corsica celebrates its popular alternative to wheat this December

(TRAVPR.COM) UK - November 30th, 2011 - Corsica’s wild geography always appeals to tourists. But the economy here was always based largely on agriculture and food production, and various local dishes continue to delight visitors, whilst satisfying the discerning French palate.

In the centre of the island, a little hill-town called Bocognano is the location for a festival devoted entirely to the sweet chestnut. In terrain unsuited to growing wheat, the people are proud to promote their versatile equivalent, and from 9th to 11th December, thirty thousand visitors from all around the world are expected to attend.

Farmers tend take their work too seriously to attract outsiders. But at Bocognano’s festival, although the highest honour is awarded to the makers of the finest chestnut flour, their simple, authentic methods and the fine dishes made possible by their skill, generate great interest.

A milling machine is assembled from old timber pieces, around a large grindstone. A hopper filled with marrons feeds the stone as it rumbles round; subtle adjustments are made, and fine, moist flour pours out, ready for baking.

The nutty flavour that results is rich and distinctive, ideal in savoury dishes like the local chestnut polenta, perfect with the island’s excellent meat. The flour is also gluten-free, and even forms the basis of a very popular Corsican beer.

Breads, fruit pastries and cakes boasting every delicious flavour of the region are made from the flour. The festival is a great place to source edible Christmas treats, and anyone who enjoys their chestnuts roasted, will find plenty at Bocognano.

Quality Villas offers luxury villas in the South of France and has a wide selection of proerties in Corsica for anyone wanting to attend this unusual celebration.

Find out more about Bocognano and the festival at http://bocognano.com/.

About Quality Villas
Quality Villas is a family run UK based villa rental specialist that is proud of their helpful, knowledgeable team and their personal service that larger companies cannot match.

All the rental properties in their portfolio are personally chosen and inspected, and all come with a private pool (unless on the beach) and a team of staff to make the client’s stay relaxing and hassle free. The reservations team personally knows each property and its location and are therefore able to advise in detail about any villa and the nearby towns and villages.

Quality Villas have been operating since 1986 and offer luxury holiday rentals in France, Italy and Morocco.

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