Discovering the Edible Wild Herbs of the Euganean Hills

🌿 Discovering the Edible Wild Herbs of the Euganean Hills

The Euganean Hills, with their lush nature and the succession of seasons, are a true paradise not only for hikers and lovers of relaxation, but also for curious foodies. Among the paths and meadows, a world of edible wild herbs is hidden—true gastronomic gems that for centuries have enriched Venetian cuisine with authentic flavors and beneficial properties.

At Casa Luna, we believe that discovering the territory also means tasting it. Here is a guide for those who wish to venture (with caution!) into the collection of these delights or, more simply, enjoy them in typical local dishes and try cooking them in our equipped kitchen.

Important: Conscious Foraging

Before venturing into collection, always remember these fundamental rules:

• Certain Recognition: Only collect herbs that you recognize with absolute certainty. If in doubt, let it be. There are local courses and guides that can help you.

• Clean Zones: Avoid herbs grown by the roadside, near treated fields, or in potentially polluted places.

• Moderation: Collect sparingly, only what is necessary, to preserve biodiversity and allow the plant to regenerate.

• Respect: Do not trample, do not ruin, do not leave waste. The Euganean Hills Park is a precious heritage.

The Stars of Wild Flavor:

1. Dandelion (or "Castracan")

• Description: Also known as "lion's tooth" or locally "castracan," it is one of the most common herbs. Its leaves, especially the tenderest ones collected before flowering, form a basal rosette. The intense yellow flower is unmistakable.

• Properties: Known for its depurative, diuretic, and digestive properties.

• In the Kitchen: The young leaves, slightly bitter, are excellent raw in mixed salads. More mature leaves or those collected after flowering can be boiled and sautéed in a pan with garlic and a drizzle of oil, becoming a tasty side dish. Perfect for savory pie fillings or as an ingredient in omelets.

2. Nettle

• Description: Easily recognizable by its serrated leaves and characteristic stinging hair (which disappears with cooking). It is found in damp and uncultivated places.

• Properties: Rich in vitamins (A, C, K), minerals (iron, calcium), and has depurative, diuretic, and anti-inflammatory properties.

• In the Kitchen: Essential to collect it with gloves! Once washed and blanched for a few minutes (the cooking water can be used as vegetable broth), it loses its "meanness." It is fantastic for preparing risottos, fillings for tortellini or ravioli, sauces for pasta, or omelets. Even a nettle cream soup is a delight.

3. Silene (or "Strigoli" / "Schiopettini" / "Carletti")

• Description: This plant, with white flowers and a characteristic swollen calyx that "pops" if pressed (hence "schiopettini"), is highly appreciated in Veneto. The young leaves and shoots are collected before flowering.

• Properties: It possesses antioxidant, diuretic, and digestive properties.

• In the Kitchen: It has a delicate flavor that slightly recalls spinach or peas. It is excellent raw in salads or cooked in risottos (often called "risotto ai carletti"), soups, omelets, or as a filling. It can also be simply sautéed in a pan with garlic and oil.

4. Bruscandoli (Wild Hop Shoots)

• Description: These are the tender shoots of the wild hop plant, similar to small asparagus. They are found in spring along ditches, hedges, and forest margins.

• Properties: They are low in calories and have depurative, diuretic, and slightly sedative properties.

• In the Kitchen: With a bitter and aromatic flavor, they are perfect for the classic "risotto ai bruscandoli." They can also be simply boiled and seasoned with oil and hard-boiled eggs, or used in omelets and savory pies.

Your Kitchen at Casa Luna: The Perfect Place to Experiment

After a walk through the Hills in search of these natural wonders (or after having purchased them from a local producer or at the market), Casa Luna offers you the ideal setting to transform them into delicious dishes. Our fully equipped kitchen is at your disposal: you will have everything you need to wash, prepare, and cook your wild herbs, transforming the raw material into an authentic and unforgettable culinary experience. Imagine returning after a hike, with a basket full of wild scents, and being able to cook them immediately, savoring the true taste of the territory directly in the comfort of your apartment. Come to Casa Luna and let yourself be enveloped by the authentic flavors of the Euganean Hills, discovering a new way to experience wellness and gastronomy!

Read our Pillar Article: "Euganean Flavors: A Food and Wine Guide among Vineyards and Traditions"

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