Ciao Franco!

Nice to meet you! I’m Franco, and you’ll find me at my family’s gelato shop, Il Melograno, here in Santa Maria del Cedro. My passion is experimenting with and sharing the unique flavour of the cedro fruit, a citrus fruit grown in our region. My dream is to make Cedro famous throughout the world and recognised as the symbol of Calabria. Would you like to help me share the word?

Come with me to discover this fruit, from its fresh, citrusy notes to the way it transforms into desserts, jams, gelato and traditional recipes. Specifically, my signature creation is the CedrOr cake, a surprise of unexpected flavours you won’t find anywhere else.

I can’t wait to share this with you!

Experiences

Sweet Cedro Route

Starts at 21€

Immerse yourself in a sweet journey to experience the cedro flavour with Franco. Discover a variety of sweet creations made with this unique Calabrian fruit, including the famous CedrOr cake. Each bite celebrates the richness, perfume, and heritage of the cedro, one of the most iconic treasures of the Calabrian coastline. We recommend visiting the Cedro Museum to learn more about the fruit before your tasting for a complete experience. Location: Santa Maria del Cedro, Calabria (6.3 km from Scalea ~ 7 minutes) Highlights: Tasting of five cedro-based sweets. Introduction to cedro by Franco.

Cedro Workshop

Starts at 23€

Join a unique workshop led by Franco, a creative inventor of some unique cedro-based recipes. In this workshop, you’ll discover how this iconic local fruit — the cedro — can be transformed into delicious drinks and sweets, exploring every step from preparation to tasting. Franco will guide you through the process with passion and expertise, sharing the story, flavour, and heritage behind this symbol of Calabria. A must-do experience for anyone who wants to discover the true essence of the cedro. Location: Santa Maria del Cedro, Calabria (6.3 km from Scalea ~ 7 minutes) Highlights: Hands-on workshop on how to work with cedro — from beverages to desserts. Production and tasting.

Complete "Cedro" Tasting (Groups)

Starts at 60€

A unique experience dedicated to the flavours of Calabria’s most iconic fruit: the cedro. Join Franco for this special tasting menu features three courses prepared with fresh local fish and ingredients designed to enhance the vibrant aroma of cedro: an appetizer, a first course, and a second. Each dish is paired with a glass of local wine, and the experience concludes with the signature CedrOr cake — the sweet finale that celebrates the soul of this extraordinary fruit. Discover authentic Calabrian flavours immersed in the traditions of Santa Maria del Cedro — the homeland of cedro. Location: Santa Maria del Cedro, Calabria (6.3 km from Scalea ~ 7 minutes) Highlights: Three-course menu: appetizer, first course, second course (all based on fresh fish, local products, and cedro) Dessert: CedrOr cake. One glass of local wine.

Each experience on this page reflects a person — their vision, their craft, and their deep connection with their homeland. To explore their world further, we invite you to visit their official websites or social channels.

Below, you’ll find direct links where you can learn more about who they are, what they do, and how they carry forward the true and simple beauty of Italian culture with passion and authenticity.

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