Ancient Pôm a Möj Fair

A fair dedicated to a forgotten product

The Ancient Pôm a Möj Fair is one of the most cherished events in the spring calendar of Casalnoceto, a small town in the Val Curone valley, nestled in the heart of Piedmont. The fair celebrates pôm a möj (literally "apples in a bath"), a traditional rural product that was once at risk of extinction and is now protected by the Slow Food Foundation's Ark of Taste.

What are pôm a möj?

Pôm a möj are apples preserved in brine using a technique dating back to the 19th century, when Casalnoceto was renowned for its apple orchards. Healthy, flawless apples were washed and submerged for about three months in wide-mouthed glass jars filled with a mixture of one-third red wine, one-third homemade wine vinegar, and one-third water. The result is a fruit with a unique, bittersweet flavor, traditionally served alongside apple fritters. This preservation method, once common across various parts of Piedmont, has all but disappeared, yet the community of Casalnoceto continues to preserve it with pride.

Three days of tradition and flavor

During the fair, the town's streets and squares come alive with a market exhibition dedicated to local products, gastronomy, and traditional crafts. The Casalnoceto Pro Loco manages the distribution of pôm a möj and organizes tastings of local delicacies, from apple fritters to traditional dishes. Alongside the market, the event offers a rich cultural and entertainment program, with activities designed for families, children, and visitors eager to discover an authentic corner of the Tortona area.

An event for the whole region

Organized by the Municipality of Casalnoceto in collaboration with the Pro Loco and local associations, the fair is free to attend. It is the perfect excuse for a spring trip to Val Curone, among the hills of the Alessandria province, combining the discovery of a rare product with a day of celebration in the village. In recent years, the event has successfully blended rural heritage with fresh perspectives, ranging from culture to science, confirming its status as a landmark for showcasing the excellence of Piedmont.