Pioneering the renaissance of the Corsican citron
In the picturesque hills of Barrettali, a village nestled in the unspoilt landscape of Cap Corse, Xavier Calizi has undertaken a veritable agricultural revolution. At the age of 37, this building materials contractor decided to return to his roots by recultivating his family's land, breathing new life into his community's farming tradition.
In 2008, Xavier Calizi embarked on a bold project to replant the Barrettali land with citron trees. Clearing the overgrown plots, he restored the old cultivation terraces, reviving the region's flourishing agricultural past. On 4 hectares, he has given birth to a citron plantation, bringing back to life this emblematic fruit of Cap Corse, ancestor of the lemon.
In the boutique, visitors are invited to discover all the richness of the Corsican citron. Liqueurs, candied fruits, jams... Each product is crafted with passion and know-how, offering an unforgettable taste experience. But that's not all: Xavier Calizi and his team also offer a range of natural cosmetics, highlighting the benefits of citron for the skin.
Proud of his region and its landscapes, Xavier Calizi co-founded CIDRALIS, a company dedicated to developing the resources of the Corsican citron. This initiative aims to revitalize the citron industry while offering safe, effective, quality cosmetics. In an eco-responsible approach, production is carried out in a short supply chain, guaranteeing total traceability and unrivalled authenticity.
For Xavier Calizi, preserving agricultural heritage and passing on knowledge are essential values. By creating a collection of trees to showcase the different varieties of citron, he aims to pass on his passion and knowledge to future generations. His goal: to revive the citron in all its splendor, while preserving the authenticity and identity of Cap Corse.
Xavier Calizi embodies the meeting of tradition and innovation, passion and commitment. His story is that of a man determined to breathe new life into a forgotten heritage, by lovingly cultivating the treasures of his native land. Thanks to his hard work and inspiring vision, the Corsican citron is once again taking its rightful place in the region's agricultural landscape, under the watchful eye of Xavier Calizi, the attentive guardian of this history in the making.
