March 10, 2014

 Andrea Zanini

 Parapandalo is a prawn variety typical of Punta Campanella, a natural marine reserve located off the Sorrento Peninsula, on the coasts of Campania, in Southwest Italy.  Parapandalo’s distinguishing traits are special to the point of deserving particular attention by the Slow Food movement for the last three years.

 Parapandalo is a symbol of offshore fishing.  Traps are the means through which Parapandalo is caught: a simple yet ancient fishing technique.  Such traps are cages generally made of metal, bamboo, rush or other materials, lowered into the sea and open on the side to provide an escape route for the smallest specimens.  In this way, the preservation of fish species is guaranteed and the sea-bottom is protected from damage.

 Punta Campanella prawns are particularly fond of traps made of rush, in the shape of a pumpkin.  As local fishermen have found out long ago, traps made of iron or plastic remain sadly empty for the most part.  This fact ensures that Parapandalo traps are still made nowadays with the same techniques of ancient times.