The Generous Earth of the Extinct Volcano: An Interview with Alessandro Chiai, Guardian of Authentic Flavors
The Generous Earth of the Extinct Volcano: An Interview with Alessandro Chiai, Guardian of Authentic Flavors
At the silent slopes of an extinct volcano, where geological history merges with agricultural dedication, lie the eight hectares of Alessandro Chiai's farm. A name that, in the panorama of local production, is synonymous with quality and respect for nature's rhythms. We met Alessandro to hear his story and discover the secrets of such fertile land.
"This land is a gift," Alessandro begins with a smile, his gaze sweeping over the orderly rows of plants promising abundant harvests. "Being on the slopes of an extinct volcano offers us incredible advantages that are directly reflected in the quality of our products."
The Treasure of Volcanic and Clay Soil: An Elixir for the Harvest
Alessandro explained that his lands are not common; they are a true elixir for plants, and the secret lies in their volcanic origin, combined with the presence of clay. "Volcanic soils are among the most fertile in the world," he told us, "and ours is no exception." But what gifts does this special land offer?
Imagine a soil naturally rich in everything a plant needs. Volcanic soils are intrinsically full of essential minerals like potassium, phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium, as well as precious microelements such as iron, manganese, and zinc. They are like a reservoir of vitamins and nutrients that the earth slowly releases over time, as the ancient volcanic rocks break down. This constant and balanced nourishment allows plants to develop optimally, giving fruits and vegetables more intense flavors and superior organoleptic characteristics. It's as if the soil itself infuses extra vitality into every product.
Then there's the matter of structure. Volcanic soils are naturally porous, a bit like a well-aerated sponge. This porosity ensures excellent water drainage, preventing stagnation that could suffocate roots, a common problem in other soil types. At the same time, it allows for perfect soil aeration, essential for plant health. But the true balance is achieved with the clay component. "This is where the clay comes into play," Alessandro explained. "Despite the typical porosity of volcanic soil, the presence of clay in our land is fundamental. It helps retain the necessary moisture, gradually releasing it to the plants even during drier periods. It's a perfect balance between drainage and water retention." Furthermore, clay acts as a kind of "storage unit" for nutrients, binding them and preventing them from washing away, making them available to crops for a longer period.
Finally, the soil's pH, often slightly acidic or neutral, creates an ideal environment for the growth of a wide variety of vegetable and fruit crops. All these combined factors – the richness of minerals, the structure that ensures excellent drainage and proper water retention, and the balanced pH – contribute to an incredibly richer harvest. Fruits and vegetables grown in such privileged soil are not only more abundant but also develop superior organoleptic qualities: fuller flavors, more vibrant colors, and a perfect texture, transforming every bite into an authentic and unforgettable taste experience.
Fruits of Sun and Passion: From Field to Table
The privileged sun exposure, combined with the fertility of the soil, allows Alessandro's farm to both start early and extend its harvest season, offering a wide range of products. "Thanks to the excellent sun exposure and the characteristics of the land, we manage to have both early crops, those eagerly awaited at the beginning of the season, and late crops, extending the harvesting period," Alessandro recounts.
The farm offers 14 products, including fruits and vegetables, strictly seasonal, a calendar of flavors that follows nature's rhythm. From juicy spring strawberries to ripe summer tomatoes, from crisp autumn lettuces to cold-resistant winter vegetables, every product is an authentic expression of the territory.
During the summer season, the farm opens the doors of its direct sales point, an unmissable opportunity to purchase the freshest produce directly from the grower. You can find the sales point and discover the seasonal delights at this link:
Alessandro Chiai's farm is a virtuous example of how nature, when respected and understood, can offer its best fruits, providing consumers with authentic and genuine flavors, cultivated with passion and expertise.
