Horticultural crops represent a strategic sector of global agriculture, playing a fundamental role both economically and nutritionally.
Their importance stems from their ability to supply essential foods for human nutrition, their high economic value per unit of area, and the growing global demand for fresh and processed vegetables.
Although horticultural crops occupy only about one-fifth of cultivated land, they account for nearly half of global agricultural production value. These are generally highly profitable crops, and their production continues to grow steadily.
The Asian continent dominates global vegetable production, with China as the top producer, followed by India, while Italy ranks among the most important producers, accounting together with Spain for about 40% of Europe’s total output.
Italy holds the world record for artichoke production and ranks highly for many other species. The southern regions, particularly Apulia (Puglia), are the most significant production areas.
An interesting fact is that Italy also ranks among the top countries for processed vegetable production, including tomato pulp, peeled tomatoes, purées, and concentrates.
Vegetables are essential for human health as they provide fiber, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
The most important plant families include:
● Solanaceae – one of the most important families, including tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, and potatoes. Tomato is the most widely grown vegetable globally.
● Cucurbitaceae – includes pumpkins, zucchini, cucumbers, melons, and watermelons.
● Cruciferae/Brassicaceae – includes cabbages, cauliflowers, broccoli, turnips, radishes, arugula, and savoy cabbages.
● Umbelliferae (Apiaceae) – includes carrots, fennel, celery, and certain aromatic plants. Carrots are the third most-produced vegetable in Europe.
● Compositae (Asteraceae) – includes major salad crops (lettuce, chicory), as well as artichokes, cardoons, and Jerusalem artichokes.
● Liliaceae (Alliaceae) – includes garlic, onions, leeks, shallots, and asparagus.
● Leguminosae (Fabaceae) – includes beans, peas, fava beans, lentils, and peanuts.
● Chenopodiaceae – includes beets, chard, and spinach.
