Sicily: The Gli Aromi Herb Farm
Apr 8, 2024 13:57:26 #
We arrived at the Gli Aromi herb farm south of Scicli and overlooking the coast for a walk through the greenhouses and lecture on herbs in Italian cooking and got a chance to enjoy them at a sumptuous agriturismo family lunch. Unfortunately, I could not enjoy the aromas of the herbs since I lost about 80% of my sense of smell after using Zicam Nasal Spray to fight a cold about 20 years ago but I think my taste buds were sharpened.
Farm gli Aromi from their website: https://sicibia.it/en/our-producers/farm-gli-aromi-sicily/
Aromatic herbs are the ingredient that best represents flavours and aromas typical of the Mediterranean, because they perfectly reconcile taste and health.
Thyme, basil, oregano and marjoram are much loved aromas and condiments, perfect for giving a strong and intense taste to starter, first and second courses.
The farm gli Aromi was born from the love and passion of the Russino family for the Sicilian territory, here they produce and market over than two hundred different varieties of aromatic plants.
Almost all aromatic plants love the sun and the heat that favors the accumulation and concentration of aromatic essences in the tissues, moreover these plants adapt to any kind of terrain, even if they prefer rich, fresh and organic ones.
What makes our products special with high quality? Our soils overlook to the sea, this creates an ideal microclimate because the temperature range ensures that the balsamic charge of aromas increases of essential oils and perfumes. Harvesting takes place in early spring and before the plant blooms, so as not to lose its aromatic charge.
Once harvested, the herbs are placed on perforated grids that allow the continuous passage of hot air and allow the constant and effective dehydration of the plant mass.
A correct drying is fundamental to keep intact the organoleptic and olfactory properties of the aromas. How do we evaluate a good job? Uniformity of colour, integrity of the product, absence of mould, exaltation of the taste and intensity of the perfume.
This abbreviated blog post by Jo Thomas (along with a great photo gallery) gives a perfect description of our own visit to Gli Aromi: https://whitealmond-privatesicily.blogspot.com/2019/07/gli-aromi-abundance-of-herbs.html
"Gli Aromi" ... an abundance of Herbs
July 06, 2019
"Many food aficionados associate Italy with sun-drenched, southern landscapes awash with the seductive fragrances of rosemary, thyme and oregano and indeed in addition to garlic, pepper and olive oil, fresh herbs provide the fundamental flavour of Sicilian cuisine.
For almost every main ingredient there is an appropriate herb, most of which grow wild on the island. The herb's glowing reputation and wide popularity are due not only to their beguiling aromas and flavour, but also to their qualities as gentle but effective and versatile natural remedies with proven healing properties.
Sicilians have always been more than generous in their use of herbs more so than Northern and Central Europeans and in Sicilian cooking herbs have a firm place in everyday food to add flavour to sauces, soups, eggs, vegetables, fish and meat dishes.
I love cooking with herbs and also growing them in my garden in London and in tubs on my roof terrace in Sicily. I absolutely love the flavours and fragrances and in fact I love cooking with and growing herbs so much that my husbands nickname for me is "Herbie" so Gli Aromi seemed like the perfect place for me.
Scicli is a baroque style town and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Most recently it has become well known as the filming location for the popular television series Inspector Montalbano where the fictional police headquarters are located. Scicli is a very beautiful town and we never need an excuse to visit.
Gli Aromi is approximately a ten minute drive from the town set on a hill sloping down towards the sea between Sampieri, Cava d'Aliga and Scicli and it boasts stunning sea views in the distance. The farm is surrounded by many abundant olive trees.
Arriving at Gli Aromi we were eagerly greeted by husband and wife team Enrico Russino and Rita Russotto and also the "receptionist" Melissa one of their dogs. Paula had told me that Rita adores dogs. Rita explained that the word Melissa is another name for the herb lemon balm which is part of the mint family.
Rita told us that first we would join Enrico on a tour of the herb farm and afterwards we would enjoy a light buffet lunch that she would prepare using herbs from the farm. We were joined by a lovely family from London who were staying in a villa near Scicli and as is always the way, Daisy our dog fell in love with Enrico and had to be at the front of our little group at all times to ensure his safety.
Enrico explained that Gli Aromi was founded eighteen years ago through his passion for herbs and spices and his love of his homeland. The company produces and sells more than 200 different kinds of aromatic and medicinal plants which are grown on and distributed from the farm.
Our tour started in the kitchen garden which boasts a professional kitchen, plants for sale, products made using herbs and an area for eating which can also be used as an event space, but more about that later. In here above us there was a lovely vine plant in bloom with a most beautiful flower, Enrico asked if we knew what it was .... It was in fact a passion fruit plant and the flower it produces is exquisite.
On the hillside Enrico has built a small amphitheatre just like those that you would find on the island built in Greek and Roman times. The stones he has constructed it with are the colours which can be seen in the nearby town of Noto where at sunset the stones of the stunning baroque architecture glow a beautiful honey colour as the sun sets on them. Enrico explained that he created the theatre as a perfect location to watch the sun set in the west and that it has been built in the perfect position so that weddings can be held here with the sea as your backdrop and the theatre as a seating area for guests. The farm has approval for civil wedding ceremonies and I could not think of a more perfect romantic spot to get married, especially as farm weddings are on trend this year. He also has big plans for this location including small music recitals, concerts, cooking demonstrations and book readings. From here on a clear day you can see the islands of Malta and Gozo.
Next we headed back into the greenhouses where we encountered the passion fruit flower up close and caper plants which were also proudly showing off a beautiful flower. Caper plants can be seen all over the island bursting out of stone walls and from cracks in rocky outcrops. The caper buds are a firm staple ingredient in Sicilian dishes such as caponata. Whether wild or cultivated the hard edible buds have to be hand picked just as they reach the right size which can be hard work as the plant flowers continuously throughout summer. Next we met some beautiful large geranium plants which Erico instructed us to pick a leaf and smell it and tell him which scent we could smell. One leaf smelt of oranges, the next of citrus and another of roses. Bellissima.
After exploring the greenhouses we took a stroll along the scented pathways of the farm walking past dozens of herbs both ornamental and medicinal such as lavender, pineapple sage, fennel, stevia, lemon thyme, oregano and who knew that there was so many varieties of mint. Enrico encouraged us to smell, touch and in some cases even taste the plants to discover surprising and unexpected new flavours. We really got up close and personal with the plants.
Aside from herbs we also saw exotic plants that Enrico is introducing such as plantain, a kind of cooking banana and also mangos.
Enrico was a good humoured and expert guide during our walk regaling us with useful snippets of scientific information and interesting stories right through to the end of our walk back in the kitchen garden where Rita was preparing our lunch.
After a lovely visit and buying some of Rita's delicious jams from the farm's shop it was soon time to leave but not before Enrico insisted that we try a liquor made using wild fennel, an unusual and intriguing taste. Fennel is my favourite Sicilian herb.
Gli Aromi is a wonderful experience and you really do feel like you are in paradise."
For additional images from the Southeastern coast of Sicily, please see my previous post:
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-803560-1.html#14542465
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-803628-1.html#14544157
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-803797-1.html#14548404
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-803957-1.html#14552084
I hope you enjoy these!
Mark
Farm gli Aromi from their website: https://sicibia.it/en/our-producers/farm-gli-aromi-sicily/
Aromatic herbs are the ingredient that best represents flavours and aromas typical of the Mediterranean, because they perfectly reconcile taste and health.
Thyme, basil, oregano and marjoram are much loved aromas and condiments, perfect for giving a strong and intense taste to starter, first and second courses.
The farm gli Aromi was born from the love and passion of the Russino family for the Sicilian territory, here they produce and market over than two hundred different varieties of aromatic plants.
Almost all aromatic plants love the sun and the heat that favors the accumulation and concentration of aromatic essences in the tissues, moreover these plants adapt to any kind of terrain, even if they prefer rich, fresh and organic ones.
What makes our products special with high quality? Our soils overlook to the sea, this creates an ideal microclimate because the temperature range ensures that the balsamic charge of aromas increases of essential oils and perfumes. Harvesting takes place in early spring and before the plant blooms, so as not to lose its aromatic charge.
Once harvested, the herbs are placed on perforated grids that allow the continuous passage of hot air and allow the constant and effective dehydration of the plant mass.
A correct drying is fundamental to keep intact the organoleptic and olfactory properties of the aromas. How do we evaluate a good job? Uniformity of colour, integrity of the product, absence of mould, exaltation of the taste and intensity of the perfume.
This abbreviated blog post by Jo Thomas (along with a great photo gallery) gives a perfect description of our own visit to Gli Aromi: https://whitealmond-privatesicily.blogspot.com/2019/07/gli-aromi-abundance-of-herbs.html
"Gli Aromi" ... an abundance of Herbs
July 06, 2019
"Many food aficionados associate Italy with sun-drenched, southern landscapes awash with the seductive fragrances of rosemary, thyme and oregano and indeed in addition to garlic, pepper and olive oil, fresh herbs provide the fundamental flavour of Sicilian cuisine.
For almost every main ingredient there is an appropriate herb, most of which grow wild on the island. The herb's glowing reputation and wide popularity are due not only to their beguiling aromas and flavour, but also to their qualities as gentle but effective and versatile natural remedies with proven healing properties.
Sicilians have always been more than generous in their use of herbs more so than Northern and Central Europeans and in Sicilian cooking herbs have a firm place in everyday food to add flavour to sauces, soups, eggs, vegetables, fish and meat dishes.
I love cooking with herbs and also growing them in my garden in London and in tubs on my roof terrace in Sicily. I absolutely love the flavours and fragrances and in fact I love cooking with and growing herbs so much that my husbands nickname for me is "Herbie" so Gli Aromi seemed like the perfect place for me.
Scicli is a baroque style town and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Most recently it has become well known as the filming location for the popular television series Inspector Montalbano where the fictional police headquarters are located. Scicli is a very beautiful town and we never need an excuse to visit.
Gli Aromi is approximately a ten minute drive from the town set on a hill sloping down towards the sea between Sampieri, Cava d'Aliga and Scicli and it boasts stunning sea views in the distance. The farm is surrounded by many abundant olive trees.
Arriving at Gli Aromi we were eagerly greeted by husband and wife team Enrico Russino and Rita Russotto and also the "receptionist" Melissa one of their dogs. Paula had told me that Rita adores dogs. Rita explained that the word Melissa is another name for the herb lemon balm which is part of the mint family.
Rita told us that first we would join Enrico on a tour of the herb farm and afterwards we would enjoy a light buffet lunch that she would prepare using herbs from the farm. We were joined by a lovely family from London who were staying in a villa near Scicli and as is always the way, Daisy our dog fell in love with Enrico and had to be at the front of our little group at all times to ensure his safety.
Enrico explained that Gli Aromi was founded eighteen years ago through his passion for herbs and spices and his love of his homeland. The company produces and sells more than 200 different kinds of aromatic and medicinal plants which are grown on and distributed from the farm.
Our tour started in the kitchen garden which boasts a professional kitchen, plants for sale, products made using herbs and an area for eating which can also be used as an event space, but more about that later. In here above us there was a lovely vine plant in bloom with a most beautiful flower, Enrico asked if we knew what it was .... It was in fact a passion fruit plant and the flower it produces is exquisite.
On the hillside Enrico has built a small amphitheatre just like those that you would find on the island built in Greek and Roman times. The stones he has constructed it with are the colours which can be seen in the nearby town of Noto where at sunset the stones of the stunning baroque architecture glow a beautiful honey colour as the sun sets on them. Enrico explained that he created the theatre as a perfect location to watch the sun set in the west and that it has been built in the perfect position so that weddings can be held here with the sea as your backdrop and the theatre as a seating area for guests. The farm has approval for civil wedding ceremonies and I could not think of a more perfect romantic spot to get married, especially as farm weddings are on trend this year. He also has big plans for this location including small music recitals, concerts, cooking demonstrations and book readings. From here on a clear day you can see the islands of Malta and Gozo.
Next we headed back into the greenhouses where we encountered the passion fruit flower up close and caper plants which were also proudly showing off a beautiful flower. Caper plants can be seen all over the island bursting out of stone walls and from cracks in rocky outcrops. The caper buds are a firm staple ingredient in Sicilian dishes such as caponata. Whether wild or cultivated the hard edible buds have to be hand picked just as they reach the right size which can be hard work as the plant flowers continuously throughout summer. Next we met some beautiful large geranium plants which Erico instructed us to pick a leaf and smell it and tell him which scent we could smell. One leaf smelt of oranges, the next of citrus and another of roses. Bellissima.
After exploring the greenhouses we took a stroll along the scented pathways of the farm walking past dozens of herbs both ornamental and medicinal such as lavender, pineapple sage, fennel, stevia, lemon thyme, oregano and who knew that there was so many varieties of mint. Enrico encouraged us to smell, touch and in some cases even taste the plants to discover surprising and unexpected new flavours. We really got up close and personal with the plants.
Aside from herbs we also saw exotic plants that Enrico is introducing such as plantain, a kind of cooking banana and also mangos.
Enrico was a good humoured and expert guide during our walk regaling us with useful snippets of scientific information and interesting stories right through to the end of our walk back in the kitchen garden where Rita was preparing our lunch.
After a lovely visit and buying some of Rita's delicious jams from the farm's shop it was soon time to leave but not before Enrico insisted that we try a liquor made using wild fennel, an unusual and intriguing taste. Fennel is my favourite Sicilian herb.
Gli Aromi is a wonderful experience and you really do feel like you are in paradise."
For additional images from the Southeastern coast of Sicily, please see my previous post:
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-803560-1.html#14542465
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-803628-1.html#14544157
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-803797-1.html#14548404
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-803957-1.html#14552084
I hope you enjoy these!
Mark
Gail gave me great descriptions of the aromas
(Download)
Enrico Rossini owner and tour guide magnifico showing us how to inhale the aroma of the herb with one hand while talking with the other!
(Download)
The dining room with a view of the Mediterranean Coast
(Download)
Caper bush flower - Caparis Spinosa
(Download)
Enrico was like a little kid talking about his toys when he talked about his herbs
(Download)
Nopal Cactus - prickly pear
(Download)
The stone amphitheater
(Download)
(Download)
Rita and her staff preparing our lunch
(Download)
The best stuffed tomatoes I ever ate!
(Download)
Apr 8, 2024 13:58:57 #
Apr 8, 2024 14:10:14 #
Apr 8, 2024 14:13:45 #
Longshadow wrote:
Those stuffed tomatoes sure look good!
They really were. Thanks very much Bill.
Apr 8, 2024 14:21:37 #
Apr 8, 2024 14:39:44 #
UTMike wrote:
A beautiful, varied, set, Mark, with the return of the star.
Thanks so much Mike. I always love the opportunity to feature her!
Apr 8, 2024 14:53:06 #
Apr 8, 2024 14:58:55 #
Apr 8, 2024 15:32:02 #
srfmhg wrote:
We arrived at the Gli Aromi herb farm south of Sci... (show quote)
Fantastic set Mark! It reminds me of my Southern Italian (not quite Sicily) grandmother's cooking, as well as my father's. Basil, oregano and garlic are part of the main Italian good groups, as is a good red wine (and some Romano cheese). The stuffed tomatoes remind me of the stuffed bell peppers my grandmother and father used to make and my wife and daughters now make. Yum!
Apr 8, 2024 16:16:09 #
Apr 9, 2024 07:39:23 #
Apr 9, 2024 07:39:49 #
Wonderful set, Mark. Loved that view from the dining room and seeing Gail enjoying the moment, beautiful.
Apr 9, 2024 08:25:00 #
Apr 9, 2024 08:29:09 #
tcthome
Loc: NJ
Great write-up & photos! You didn't happen to get the recipe for the last photo, did ya? 
Apr 9, 2024 14:25:55 #
DJphoto wrote:
Fantastic set Mark! It reminds me of my Southern Italian (not quite Sicily) grandmother's cooking, as well as my father's. Basil, oregano and garlic are part of the main Italian good groups, as is a good red wine (and some Romano cheese). The stuffed tomatoes remind me of the stuffed bell peppers my grandmother and father used to make and my wife and daughters now make. Yum!
Thanks so much Dennis. The food of Southern Italy is fantastic and my favorite and they did it to perfection there.
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