The Good that Thrives Much with just a Little
The incredible story of Don Michele Dondero and the cultivation of potatoes in the Tigullio
In the 18th century, in the small hamlet of Roccatagliata, in the heart of the upper Fontanabuona, a courageous and determined man, the parish priest Michele Angelo Dondero, decided to introduce potato cultivation into the community. However, his efforts were initially met with profound skepticism.
An Unforgettable Demonstration
To demonstrate the goodness of the potato, Don Michele organized a vigil in the church and, in front of his incredulous parishioners, ate some cooked tubers. Astonishment and fear spread among those present, but the following day the parish priest was alive and well, proving that the potatoes were not poisonous. Despite this, many still doubted.
The Tenacity of the Priest
Not discouraged by the first negative reactions, Don Michele repeated the demonstration on several occasions, publicly eating the potatoes to demonstrate their edibility. Only after the potatoes were successfully used to fatten two pigs and after the parishioners found that the parish priest was still alive and well disposed, potato cultivation began to be accepted and appreciated.
A Local Hero
Don Michele Dondero’s tenacity and determination meant that the potato was finally appreciated and cultivated in the region. Today, in the square of the parish church of Roccatagliata, a marble statue has been erected in his honor, commemorating his role as a pioneer in the cultivation of potatoes in the Fontanabuona area.
The story of Don Michele Dondero is an emblematic example of how the determination and perseverance of a single individual can lead to significant change in the community. Thanks to the courage of the parish priest, the potato became a fundamental element of the local diet and economy in Tigullio, helping to improve people’s living conditions and guarantee food security in the region.
Sources
Viarengo G., “L’Albero della Cuccagna. Paesaggio, alimentazione e cucina nella Liguria di Levante”, Chiavari, Internòs, 2023
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