The Peperone Crusco di Senise PGI is a symbol of Lucanian gastronomy, appreciated for its unique flavour and versatility in the kitchen. But this typical ingredient is not only a culinary excellence: its cultivation and processing are linked to an ancient and evocative tradition, which is reflected in the creation of the Sertethe famous necklaces of dried peppers. These rows of peppers, arranged with needle and string, are not only a traditional method of preservation, but are also at the heart of a local competition: the race to make the longest serta in a few minutes.
The Tradition of the Serte: An Ancient Practice
La Serte is a long necklace of raw peppers, prepared by tying the dried peppers together one by one, using a needle and string. This practice has its roots in the past, when drying was the main method of preserving food during the winter. The peppers, once harvested in the fields at the end of summer, were exposed to the sun for weeks, tied in long necklaces that were hung under the porches of houses, creating picturesque and colourful scenes.
The serte were not only a way to preserve the cruschi peppers, but over time became a symbolic element of peasant culture. Even today, walking through the villages of Basilicata during the harvest season, it is easy to see these necklaces hanging outside the houses, as a sign of prosperity and continuity with tradition.
The Serte Race: Tradition and Competition
While the creation of the serte is a homely and traditional activity, it has also given rise to a local competition that attracts curious onlookers and participants every year: the race to see who can create the longest evening in the shortest time. During some festivals and village fairs, especially those dedicated to the 'peperone crusco di Senise', a challenge is organised between locals and tourists, who compete in the art of threading the peppers one after the other, with needle and string, in a race against time.
Competition Rules
The challenge, which may seem simple, requires skill, speed and above all a good dose of dexterity. The main rules of the competition are usually as follows:
- Limited time: Participants have a few minutes to create the longest possible evening.
- Material provided: Each participant receives a needle, a long piece of string and a basket of peppers
- Precision and speedIn addition to length, the serta must be well made, with the peppers neatly and firmly tucked in, recreating the classic star shape
- Prizes to be won: Winners can take home special prizes ranging from local products to the first prize, a golden needle
A Moment of Unity and Fun
This competition is not only a challenge, but above all an opportunity to celebrate the community and pass on an ancient knowledge to new generations. The making of serte, in fact, is not a simple manual activity, but a symbol of cultural identity. During the competition, people come together, laugh, help each other and joke, creating an atmosphere of celebration and sharing that reflects the spirit of Lucanian communities.
How the Serte is made
For those unfamiliar with this practice, creating serta may seem a complicated process, but in reality, with a little practice and manual dexterity, it can become a very satisfying activity. Here are the steps to create a serta of cruschi peppers:
- Harvesting and drying: After harvesting, the peppers are cleaned and hung in the sun. Drying takes place naturally and lasts several weeks.
- Preparation of needle and stringA strong needle is used to pierce the now-dried flesh of the pepper. The twine, usually cotton, is knotted at the beginning to prevent the peppers from slipping.
- Stuffing the peppersTake each pepper from the base, just below the stalk, and pierce it with the needle. You proceed like this, threading pepper after pepper, until you create a long, stable necklace.
- Hanging the SilksOnce completed, the serta is hung in a cool, ventilated place for storage during the winter.
The Charm of the Serte: Symbol of Tradition and Art
Serte are not only a practical method of preserving peppers, but a true symbol of Lucanian tradition. Each necklace tells a story: that of the family that made it, of the community that preserves these customs, and of the deep bond between the land and its products.
The crusco pepper of Senise PGI, thanks to its sweetness and its ability to remain crunchy even after drying, is the undisputed protagonist of this tradition. The serte hung outside the houses, as well as decorating Lucanian villages, are a sign of respect for nature and the agricultural work that has characterised this region for generations.
A Competition that Enhances Local Culture
As well as being a time for fun and competition, the serte competition is a way of keeping alive an ancient tradition, linked to natural cycles and peasant work. At a time when eating and cultural habits are changing rapidly, events like this one become essential to keep alive the link with the land and our roots.
Participating in the serte competition is not only an opportunity to put yourself to the test and perhaps win some prizes, but it is above all a way to immerse yourself in an authentic culture, made up of simple gestures and values that endure over time. Anyone visiting Basilicata cannot miss the opportunity to watch or participate in this unique competition, to live a genuine experience, made up of tradition, creativity and passion.
Tenuta Padì invites everyone to discover and value this Lucanian tradition, paying homage to the precious Peperone Crusco di Senise PGI and its endless cultural and culinary variations.
