Edible herbs for all tastes

Wild herbs have been staple food in Liguria for millennia and were the daily meal of Ligurian farmers up to a few decades ago; for that reason, herbs are found in many traditional local recipes.

Herbs grow abundantly in Western Liguria and species are often linked to man's presence and work. One needn't venture very far from home to find them: they grow well in gardens, although, unfortunately, for lack of knowledge, they are often considered weeds and dismissed.

In order to preserve traditions, it is very important to re-learn to recognize herbs and to learn how to prepare them for consumption. Additionally, these plants are medicinal and rich in healing properties - last but not least, they are very appetizing!

Environmental Guide Rudy Valfiorito organizes guided tours to learn how to recognize as well as where, how and when to seek more than 50 edible species.

Among the herbs found, there are a lot of Asteraceae, such as  dandelion, “Caccialepre” (Reichardia picroides) and the common “Grespino” (Sonchus oleraceus), excellent for salads or as “Barba di becco” (Tragopogon pratensis), among the sweetest to be eaten boiled. Tour participants can also find herbs typically used for fillings such as “Pettine di Venere” (Scandix pecten-veneris), with an intense flavor reminiscent of fennel, and wild mustard, also known as turnip greens. They can taste some more peculiar ones, to be eaten raw such as Watercress, “Sedano d’acqua” (Apium nodiflorum) and “Pimpinella”, also called walnut grass for its flavor. In addition, during the tour, participants can find medicinal herbs such as thistle, rue and wild garlic.

The 3-hour walking tour, along a short circular route beginning in Soldano - a small inland village - involves several stops to collect, compare and sample plants.

At the end of the walk, a stop at a country house surrounded by olive trees and flowering plants is planned. Here participants, comfortably seated at an outdoor table, will be delighted to taste some traditional recipes prepared with the herbs found along the way and to learn some tips on how to prepare them.

Next trip is scheduled on May 8th.

For information and reservations, contact Rudy Valfiorito: tel +39 3482822329