(Italiano) Essiccazione all’aria: È il metodo più semplice e naturale. Basta appendere le piante a testa in giù in una stanza calda, buia e arieggiata. Dopo aver raccolto le piante, rimuovete il maggior numero possibile di foglie dagli steli e legatele insieme in piccoli mazzi.
Foraging
THE FESTIVE WOODLANDS
The Vignamaggio woods are scattered with paths that wind through a rich, fragrant and welcoming Mediterranean vegetation: the trees are not very large, but healthy and lush. Through their foliage one can glimpse the remains of ancient dry-stone walls, reminders that every corner of this land was once cultivated and that the woods, before the […]
HOW TO MAKE YOUR MEDITERRANEAN SPRING WREATH
Today, our gardener Giovanni taught us how to make a Mediterranean wreath using predominantly bay leaves and Spanish broom flowers. This shrub, known as Ginestra odorosa in Italian, is indigenous and grows spontaneously all around the Mediterranean basin. You will recognise it by its sweet, heady fragrance and small yellow flowers. WHAT WE NEED We […]
ELDERFLOWERS
The elderberry bush, or sambuco as it is called in Italy, is an indigenous plant that grows spontaneously all over the country, but it is not very well known. Elderflower syrup is used mostly in central and northern European countries, while in Italy, sambuco is more commonly associated with the distinctive anise flavour of Sambuco […]
SEARCHING FOR HOPS
Hops can be found all over Europe, usually in cooler areas and in fertile soil close to water. While it is most famous for its flower, that gives beer its mildly bitter taste, in many regions of Italy it is valued for its spring shoots. WHERE CAN WE FIND THEM? On the banks of rivers […]
IN SEARCH OF NETTLES
Nasty fiends for children running around in short socks, but stinging nettles have an unexpected side to them. They are delicious, and the main ingredient in many springtime recipes. WHERE TO FIND THEM? Beside hedges In damp areas close to dwellings In fields close to water WHEN TO PICK THEM? Don’t forget to put on […]