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About Us

AZIENDA AGRICOLA D'ERCOLE

The Azienda Agricola D’Ercole is a micro enterprise based in South Piedmont, Italy, that focuses on producing a small amount of superior quality saffron. The company is founded in 2018 by Matteo D’Ercole, moved by his will of rediscovering the relationship with his family lands and by the curiosity of rediscovering an ancient tradition of saffron production in the Val Curone. All of the agricultural techniques used are chosen to be respectful of the environment and of the people, without the use of industrial tools and with a spirit of personal and creative research. The farm is located in Martinasco, a tiny village close to Brignano Frascata (AL), in the heart of the Val Curone; the valley is a place of peace and beauty, that we love to share with everyone that shares our passion for nature and stories. If you are curious, contact us and we will help you discover this magical places!

GIAROLO VALLEYS AND BEYOND

Our territory is composed by little precious valley, we want to present some of them to you

our valley

VAL CURONE

The first valley of the Appenini range, it culminates in the Giarolo mount. It is a small hidden pearl of Piedmont.

It is a valley full of beauty, peace and good food. Truffles, both white and black, are typical in this area.

nature and history

VALLE GRUE

Another lovely valley, Val Grue is famous for its beautiful woods, flower fields and ancient hamlets.

Among all, Garbagna is the most noticeable village. Here you can enjoy excellent food in the tradition of Italian hamlets.

the wine trails

VALLE OSSONA

Valle Ossona is rich in vineyards and trails beautiful to walk in every season.

The scent of grapes and of Timorasso wine is in the air, together with the scent of salami and cheese typical of the area.

ancient tradition

VAL BORBERA

A wonderful large valley, bordering Liguria. It present some very ancient pre-celtic tradition that can be found only here.

Borbera is a peaceful stream that models the valley. It helps passer by to cool down during summer months thanks its clear fresh pools.

deep valleys

VAL SPINTI

Divided between Piedmont and Liguria, Val Spinti follows the Scrivia river towards Genova. It is characterized by thick woods and small hamlets nested on the valley's steep walls.

The valley is famous for its castles, like the Castello di Grondona and the Castello Malaspina Rovere. A must see if you visit the area.

BETWEEN THE BODY AND THE LAND

Our project is born from a personal work of research that starts from the body. In our farm in Martinasco, we want to create a place of peace and health, that can welcome people and open up to their curiosities and researches. It is not only a farm in the most classical sense, but also a place that can welcome workshop and body practices, from yoga to voice exploration. Our saffron is born in this place, a place of deep listening and healing. A place where the crocus sativus flower grow together with the many flowers of the valley and the vegetable that we grow with the same passion and respect for the land.

WE KEEP BUSY

What we do to learn how to take care of our Saffron better

We take care of our bodies

BODY WORK

Many people that visit and share our farm with us bring experiences of body work, from Yoga to Tai Chi, from meditation practices to voice exploration work.

All of these practices bring energy and peace to the place where we live and grow our plant.

We take care of our food

ORGANIC VEGETABLES FARMING

We grow vegetables in an open field using only natural techniques, following permaculture practices that help the plant be healthy and happy.

This is where most of our food comes from. It is an effort to try and keep our way of life sustainable and in harmony with the environment around us.

Learning from the flowers

STUDYING HERBS

We also grow and forage a number of medicinal herbs that we than use not only for delicious infusions but also to learn the extraordinary properties that these plants have on the body.

Together with some naturopathist friends, we are experimenting in creation of essential oils, ointments and tinctures.

Becoming part of the land

FORAGING

Big part of our food also come from a variety of herbs and plants that the valley around us has to offer. It is a great way to obtain fantastic ingredients and to understand the place where we live better.

Understanding the plants of the valley in the different season gives us a great insight on how to live and grow our spice here!

WHY DOES THIS HELP?

Taking care of thousands and thousands of crocus sativus means creating a relationship between humans and plants and the land around us. Taking care of oneself means taking care better of these precious little plants, to recognise their need in the place where they live and to understand much better the incredible offering they give us with the spice they present us.

Saffron has traditionally being used in many culture as a ingredient of health, from China to India, arriving to Europe too. Taking care of the plants not only trough agricultural techniques that are responsible and sustainable, but also by creating an environment that is healthy and rich for the people that live in it, means creating a spice that will carry this care and attention, a truly remarkable red treasure that can help us with out health and to satisfy our taste buds.