La nostra coltivazione dei cereali biologici biodinamici ha luogo in Toscana, più precisamente in Val di Cecina. Abbiamo scelto di confezionare i chicchi che raccogliamo direttamente in azienda, affinché le preziose proprietà che questo tipo di agricoltura apporta siano conservate il più possibile. Per lo stesso motivo, anche le fasi di lavorazione successive avvengono internamente e le farine biologiche sono macinate a pietra nel nostro personale mulino. I cereali sono poi alla base di altri prodotti biologici a cui ci dedichiamo, come la pasta e le zuppe.
Ecco quali cereali biologici biodinamici ci regalano le terre de Il Cerreto:
The attention we pay to nature has brought us closer to crops based on methods that are more respectful of its balances. In our fields, therefore, varieties of ancient grains, cereals known for their excellent properties that make them a healthy choice in terms of nutrition, also grow. Already rich in protein and antioxidants, as well as more digestible, the ancient wheat of Il Cerreto also benefits from the additional quality that comes from biodynamic agriculture.
In particular, we grow einkorn, ancient durum wheat Turanicum and ancient durum wheat Senatore Cappelli, from which we also obtain stone-ground organic flours and semolina for organic ancient grain pasta.
Those who, like us, have chosen to live in greater harmony with the environment will know that embracing a vegetarian diet is certainly a way to have a reduced impact on animal life. Moreover, basing your meals on recipes that avoid excessive use of animal fat also means gaining in health, thanks to the lower risk of contracting certain diseases. Organic biodynamic legumes are therefore the perfect food to provide the right amount of plant protein and lend themselves to the most varied preparations: they are ideal combined with cereals or used as a base for more elaborate dishes. From the Il Cerreto farm come:
Organic oil seeds are now also integrated into human nutrition, thanks to the numerous properties that make them suitable and appreciated by those who follow, for example, a vegetarian diet. These seeds are in fact rich in protein, vitamins, as well as Omega 3 and Omega 6, essential polyunsaturated fatty acids capable of reducing "bad" cholesterol.
The cultivation of organic biodynamic tomatoes begins in May, when we transplant certified plants that come from the nursery. We then proceed with harvesting from mid-August, in particular when the tomatoes reach a suitable degree of ripeness for processing. From our tomatoes we obtain pulp and organic tomato purée, but also tasty sauces such as arrabbiata and a version with the addition of carrots, onion and celery, ideal to use as a condiment for our biodynamic pasta, bronze-drawn.
As some scientific research has shown over the years, organic tomatoes accumulate more nutrients than conventional cultivation. The concentration of vitamin C, sugars and antioxidants, such as lycopene, which is released from the tomato during cooking, is in fact higher.
Being sustainable for us also means cultivating biodiversity, which is why in 2012 we planted an organic orchard on the lands of Il Cerreto and did so by recovering ancient varieties of fruit that have adapted well to the soils and microclimate of the farm. These are plants that, by their nature, are resistant and allow us to obtain precious raw material without the use of chemical treatments. At present there are about 700 trees that give us their delicious fruit, which we also share with the guests of our organic restaurant. Alongside cherries, peaches, apricots and persimmons, the fruit that accompanies us according to the season also includes watermelons, strawberries and melons.
We embraced the production of organic medicinal herbs out of Paola's love for aromatic essences. Always fascinated by these plants, she decided first to study them and then to cultivate them, taking care of a line that she personally packages. Lemon balm, peppermint and oregano are just some of the herbs that can be found at the bioshop or in the common areas of the bio agriturismo, where guests can prepare relaxing herbal teas during their stay.
At Il Cerreto we also carry out a small production of extra virgin olive oil, also made following the principles of the organic method and biodynamic agriculture. We harvest the olives when they are adequately ripe but such as to preserve all the beneficial properties of the oil, a natural remedy. At the mill we then proceed with cold pressing, a method that allows us not to disperse the nutritional characteristics of the product. The organic and biodynamic extra virgin olive oil also ends up on the tables of our organic restaurant as a much-appreciated condiment, but also in the kitchen as the only oil we use for cooking.
We started growing organic vegetables in 2012 and today we dedicate about 5 hectares of land to this production, of which part, about 2500 sq m, is under protected cultivation. We use, when possible, local, ancient and non-hybrid seed varieties, we nourish the soil with biodynamic compost that we prepare on the farm using fresh manure, part of plant residues and old compost. Inside the heap we insert the biodynamic preparations such as Achillea (502), Chamomile (503), Nettle (504), Oak (505), Dandelion (506) and Valerian (507). We also take into account the beneficial effect of rotations and companion planting in our planning.
