Chestnuts and truffles are the stars of the gastronomic autumn season in the Mugello, which produces exclusively the marrone del Mugello I.G.P. Various events are being devoted to this local product, being used in gnocchi, chestnut flour cake and in tortelli pasta filled with cream of chestnut.

At Marradi there is the traditional Sagra delle castagne – now in its 48th year – which will be running on all four Sundays in October (9 , 16, 23, 30).

Visitors will really have their taste buds tickled here, with a host of chestnut-based delicacies including fried tortelli, cakes and puddings, jams, marrons glacés, roast chestnuts and castagnaccio (a chestnut flour cake). Amidst the stands, where visitors can purchase local products of the woods, street artists and travelling musicians will vie for the attention of passing food enthusiasts.

Information: tel. 055 8045170, www.sagradellecastagne.it - www.pro-marradi.it - info@pro-marradi.it .

Not far from Marradi, at Palazzuolo sul Senio, which is a very romantic Appennine village, we find the so-called  Sagra del Marrone e dei frutti del sottobosco on four Sundays in October (9, 16, 23, 30). For information call  055 8046125.

In Firenzuola chestnuts are paired with items made from pietra serena, a distinctive form of grey sandstone. The name of the event is "Dal bosco e dalla pietra", where, on 9 and 16 October, there will be a fine display of the very best pietra serena items produced in local workshops. Besides stands piled high with chestnuts and other fruits of the woods, there will also be a hands-on educational workshop where visitors can learn about local crafts, get a feel for the material and make simple carvings in pietra serena.

 
The stalls will also have some virtually forgotten fruits like wild apples, jujubes and rosehips, together with potatoes, walnuts, decorative pumpkins, honey, candles and other apicultural products. Nor will there be any shortage of cheeses and cured meats, organic bread, flat focaccia breads, sweets made from chestnut flour and other culinary delights.

There is also a festive spirit at Pietramala, a small village near Firenzuola, where on 9 and 16 October visitors can sample chestnuts and new wine at Smarronando e Svinando.
Information: tel. 055 8199459, f.mazzoni@comune.firenzuola.fi.it - info@firenzuolaturismo.it - www.firenzuolaturismo.it

The Mugello’s IGP chestnut circuit ends at Vicchio, where, at the Festa dei marroni on 9 and 16 October, visitors can sample and buy Mugello chestnuts and other typical local products.
Information: tel. 055 843921.