Pioppi

Pioppi is a coastal village, or frazione, of the municipality of Pollica in the Cilento area of the province of Salerno, Campania, southern Italy. It lies on the Cilentan coast along the Tyrrhenian Sea, southeast of Naples and southwest of Salerno, and is part of the Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park.

Geography and administration: Pioppi is situated near the municipality’s main town, Pollica, and close to the popular coastal village of Acciaroli. The area features a rocky shoreline, small beaches, and Mediterranean vegetation. It is within the larger UNESCO-listed Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park, a designation that reflects the regional landscape, biodiversity, and cultural heritage.

History and significance: Historically a fishing village, Pioppi gained international prominence in the mid-20th century through its association with cardiovascular research. American physiologist Ancel Keys conducted fieldwork in Pioppi as part of the broader Seven Countries Study, contributing to the development and popularization of the concept of the Mediterranean diet. The village is frequently cited in discussions of dietary patterns associated with heart health and longevity.

Economy and culture: Today, Pioppi’s economy combines traditional fishing and agriculture with tourism. Olive oil production, local gastronomy, and agritourism play notable roles, and visitors are drawn to the coastal scenery, historic lanes, and access to Cilento’s cultural and natural attractions.

Legacy: Pioppi remains linked to discourse on Mediterranean dietary patterns, though the term “Pioppi diet” is a popular shorthand rather than a distinct, formal regimen. The broader Mediterranean diet is recognized in scientific literature for its association with cardiovascular health and longevity.