Scent Travel Report Italy
Immortelle, lavender, clary sage and more
Biodynamic in Piedmont
Fragrant plants: Immortelle, lavender, etc.
Growing region: Piedmont, Italy
Cultivation partner since: 1997
Special features: Cooperative with a passion for the biodynamic cultivation of traditional Mediterranean medicinal herbs and 42 independent partners.
To maintain long-term partnerships with plant growers, to get to know countries, people and cultures, and also to establish friendly contacts, fragrance tours have always been part of the company culture at farfalla.
Of course, during our visits we also want to ensure that all producers meet our high standards. But we don't see all plant growers as frequently as the members of the cooperative in Piedmont, to whom we owe a large number of essential oils.
It sounds almost like a fairy tale – beyond the seven mountains, in the beautiful, rolling hills of Piedmont, in a remote, secluded spot, there are a number of farmers who have dedicated themselves entirely to the organic cultivation of aromatic plants. It is certainly enchantingly beautiful here, far from the well-trodden tourist paths: in wild valleys and on slopes and in places where hardly any tourists venture, they cultivate Mediterranean aromatic plants and medicinal herbs, which are harvested in the summer and delivered to the cooperative's communal distillery.
From cultivation to harvesting and distillation, everything is done according to the strict guidelines of biodynamic farming. Farfalla sources various oils from this project: fine lavender, peppermint, immortelle, hyssop, thyme (thymol), sweet fennel, Roman chamomile, lemon balm, clary sage, and sage. The 42 independent farmers belonging to the cooperative cultivate a total of 230 hectares of aromatic plants. Their fields, ranging in color from blue and purple to vibrant green and golden yellow, nestle into the rolling hills of Piedmont. We were invited by Roberto, one of the cooperative members. We wanted to learn more from him about the cultivation of the typical Mediterranean medicinal herbs hyssop, mint, and immortelle.
He sent us a map beforehand, and we arranged to meet in the immortelle field. Well-intentioned, but poorly mapped! Because among the hills and valleys and lavender-lined switchbacks, we have to admit: we're completely lost. At least we seem to have finally found the village where Roberto's farm is supposed to be, although even our Japanese GPS seems to be struggling with this area. Surely someone here can help us! But our questions about Roberto, hyssop, or immortelle only elicit blank stares. An older villager provides a promising clue:
In a valley further back, there was supposedly a farmer who had beautiful fields of yellow lavender; "la lavanda gialla". Yellow lavender? That could only be Roberto!
Since then, immortelle has had this nickname in our region. However, it shouldn't be considered the yellow counterpart to lavender in aromatherapy: While both are holistically relaxing, lavender is primarily grounding and physically balancing, whereas immortelle is mentally balancing and opening. Its essential oil was described by the French aromatherapist Dr. D. Pénoel as the "super arnica" of aromatherapy—so impressive are its properties as a first-aid oil. It is definitely worthwhile to consult the specialist literature and familiarize yourself with the range of applications of immortelle oil and its hydrosol. It owes its French name, "the immortal," to its yellow blossoms, which retain virtually their color even months after harvesting.
Their fragrance is overwhelming: The sun coaxes a spicy-sweet, curry-like aroma from each individual blossom.
Napoleon, it is said, could smell the scent of immortelle when his ship approached his Corsican homeland – due to the abundance of blooming helichrysum. Native to Italy and Corsica, and practically the entire Mediterranean region, is *Helichrysum italicum*, the plant's botanical name. It thrives in warm, dry, barren soils and carpets hills and valleys from the coast to the interior with its yellow blossoms.
Beyond the seven mountains, nestled among the seven hills, truly beautiful fields beckon: the hyssop glows blue, while the blooming immortelle surpasses it in golden yellow. Roberto's expression as he walks through the fragrant plants speaks volumes: Look at this splendor! The quiet pride we glean from his expression is his satisfaction after a year of dedicated work with the plants and his gratitude to nature. These moments are particularly meaningful to us: in our contact with the farmers, we draw the strength and inspiration to commit ourselves to precisely this work of respectful, organic agriculture. We have been doing this for over 30 years – and for over 20 years we have been working with the cooperative in Piedmont led by Roberto and Giancarlo.
Piedmont is famous for its truffles and wine, but its traditional southern herbs and aromatic plants are also part of its cultural heritage, which is proudly showcased. As we head home, tired and weary from searching and the sun, ready to end the day relaxing and enjoying delicious food at the agriturismo, we unexpectedly find ourselves at a herb festival in the village of Sala San Giovanni.
Not far from Roberto's fields, the small village sits atop a hill, surrounded by numerous fragrant herb and spice fields. Every year at the end of June, "non solo erbe" takes place here. This three-day festival attracts thousands of visitors and is equally popular with locals and tourists. It resembles a herb fair, where people from the region offer all sorts of things related to fragrant plants and herbs at their many small stalls.
For us, it was a real stroke of luck: Music and dance delighted us in the picturesque piazzas, stalls offering Piedmontese cuisine tempted us in the shady alleyways, and at the heart of the spectacle were our beloved aromatic plants. Besides traditional herbal specialties, we were particularly impressed by the innovative and sometimes truly unusual products made with herbs that were presented here. A visit to "non solo erbe" is a must for fragrance lovers.
