Paola is the person who personally looks after the bees of Il Cerreto. Paola chose to devote herself to the production of organic biodynamic honey because she is fascinated by the social organisation of bees, with their incredible industriousness. Understanding how they act, understanding their hierarchies and internal rules, but above all observing their way of reacting in moments of difficulty, has always enchanted her.
From Paola's desire to share this wonderful nectar of the gods with others comes our organic biodynamic wildflower honey, which we consider a unique concentrate of the forces of the four elements.
We started keeping hives more than 20 years ago, shortly after arriving at Il Cerreto, and from there we have never stopped cherishing our bees, such incredible insects that are an example of the extraordinary vitality of nature. Today we take care of the production of organic biodynamic honey together with Lara and Piero, trusted helpers who support us in the care of 12 hives, a small quantity that gives us a product that is always new: it is in fact a honey that every year is different in colour, taste, scent and consistency, produced by sedentary bees that can enjoy 500 uncontaminated hectares among the Tuscan hills.
Precisely because we have chosen to devote ourselves to a small production, the jars we prepare are intended exclusively for our farm bioshop and for the breakfasts of the guests of the bio agriturismo.
Our honey is produced in respect of nature and the bees themselves according to the dictates of organic biodynamic agriculture. The management of the hives according to this method must in fact comply with strict rules that guarantee their quality and wholesomeness.
First of all, the apiaries are located in an area where, for a radius of at least 3 kilometres, cultivation is carried out according to organic agriculture or where spontaneous flora is present. Everything, from new swarms to the wax for the frames, must come from certified organic farms.
The hives are made with natural materials and non-toxic paints. Only substances of natural origin, such as wax and essential oils, may also be introduced inside the hives.
To protect the swarm from parasites no chemical substances are used. In case of disease, phytotherapeutic and homeopathic remedies are preferably used and even during extraction no synthetic chemical repellents are used.
