Life on a Tuscan Farm

Yesterday we had Stefano Cantiero and his film crew from the Italian TV show Mondo Agricolo (Agricultural World) at Spannocchia. They were filming for a special section on local Tuscan products such as wine, cheese and, in the case of Spannocchia, Cinta Senese salt-cured meats. They arrived at 8:30am and spent the next five hours with various members of the Spannocchia staff getting the inside scoop about what makes Spannocchia a unique and interesting organic producer. Here are some pictures of the grand finale of a table spread with all the wonderful Spannocchia products. The man in the hat is Stefano Cantiero. The man being interviewed is Marco Bechi from the Slow Food Siena presidia, a huge supporter of Spannocchia and its products. The show will air in Italy next week on several channels. A presto!

Porcini! Porcini! Porcini mushrooms are popping up all over Spannocchia, their brown heads pushing out of the leafy understory. The last few days, the fall group of interns have seen the Italians heading into the woods and returning with baskets brimming with funghi. So, on Tuesday the interns got a lesson in how to hunt for mushrooms. They did well for first timers, and found several porcini and ovuli. The menu at Spannocchia has started to reflect the treasure hunting, and porcini antipasto, risotto con funghi and other such delicious treats are now “in season” and on the dinner table. A presto!