Tonda di Giffoni — an Italian walnut variety of ancient origin, grown in the province of Salerno near Naples. The tree is medium-sized, resistant to bacterial burn, and only slightly susceptible to mite. Female flowering and pollination occur in mid-season, making the variety very early and productive. Nuts mature at the beginning of September, allowing for a stable and high yield — up to 3-3.5 tons per hectare.
The fruits of this variety have medium size and round shape; the weight of the nut with shell is about 2.5 grams, and the kernel mass is approximately 1.2-1.6 grams. Nuts are brown with a distinct stripe and prominent grooves on the sides. Kernel extraction rate is 44-47%; kernels are often ridged and may contain light fibers. Due to their structure, kernels blanch well, making them highly sought after in the confectionery industry, especially for chocolate and candy production.
For successful pollination, it is recommended to plant varieties with overlapping male flowering periods alongside Tonda di Giffoni, such as Tonda Gentile Romana, Camponica, San Giovanni, or Mortarella. This ensures good pollination and stable yields. The variety is suitable for regions with mild winters and drier climates, with relatively low cold requirements, allowing cultivation in various areas, including New Zealand.
