Agriturismo La Piana dei Castagni is not only the ideal starting point for exploring the 160 km of marked trails that wind through the beauty of the Apennines, but also an opportunity to discover the gastronomic delicacies of the area surrounding Castel d’Aiano.
The Castel d’Aiano area, in fact, is renowned for its typical products, the result of a centuries-old agricultural tradition and a deep respect for nature.
Flavors not to be missed include:
- Mushrooms: the area is particularly rich in mushrooms, especially porcini, which are used to prepare tasty and fragrant dishes.
- Chestnuts: the chestnut forests surrounding the farm produce high quality chestnuts, which are used to prepare roasted chestnuts, chestnut cake and other local specialties.
- Truffle: The area is also an area of truffles, both prized white and black, which are used to enrich first courses, main courses and side dishes.
- Cold cuts: the pork butchery tradition is very deep-rooted in the area, producing high quality cold cuts, such as sausage, salami and bacon, and cracklings.
- Cheeses: the whole area is identified as a production area for mountain Parmigiano Reggiano, which can be purchased at dairies where you can also find excellent caciotta, ricotta and other dairy products all made from cow’s milk.
- Potatoes: given the altitude of the area and the characteristics of the soils rusult to be of high quality different types of potatoes: primura, monnalisa etc…… ideal for so many culinary preparations.
To discover the authentic flavors of the area, you can choose from a variety of dining experiences:
- Restaurants and trattorias: in the surroundings of Castel d’Aiano, there are numerous restaurants and trattorias offering typical local dishes prepared with fresh, seasonal ingredients.
- Festivals and village festivals: throughout the year, festivals and village festivals dedicated to local products are organized, such as the mushroom festival, chestnut festival, and potato festival.
- Markets and farms: at markets and farms in the area, you can buy typical products directly from producers, and learn the secrets of their preparation.
Gastronomic experiences
In addition to the countless festivals in the summer period, we can organize and book tastings at dairies for a fee. The tasting is conducted in stages:
- Milk collection and visit to the stables
- milk processing in the dairy
- visit to warehouses and product tasting
Another experience not to be missed is a visit to the vinegar cellars, which includes a tour of the barrels and an explanation of the traditions of ancient traditional balsamic vinegar.