FreshPlaza visited the company and Ms Saggio explained the prerequisites and good practices biodynamic cultivation is based on.
Amphoras created by German artist Franz Stähler in the background of a Zolla14 orchard.
"We are a small yet ever-evolving business. We started using biodynamic cultivation methods in 2013 to support biodiversity. We were inspired by Rudolf Steiner, who gave us the tools and awareness necessary to tackle the negative consequences human actions have on the environment and agriculture. Biodynamic agriculture is not merely organic agriculture that employs biodynamic preparations, but rather the effort of man to reconnect to the cosmic matrix and restart working the land using knowledge that represented the highest level available a few hundred of years ago."
Zolla14 was set up in 2005 with the objective of promoting the territory (Treviso, Veneto) and cultivation process in combination with healthy eating habits. The company covers 11 hectares - half are made up of peach and apple orchards while the rest is reserved for alfalfa, cereals and vegetables. A significant part of the land is used to grow Radicchio Rosso di Treviso Tardivo IGP.
The area has many springs, hedges and spontaneously growing medicinal plants, which led Zolla14 to implement organic cultivation techniques under Icea (Istituto per la Certificazione Etica e Ambientale).
"We grow around 5000 fruit trees and specialise in the production of clear apple juice made from seven varieties: Royal Gala, Golden Delicious, Fuji, Imperatore, Renetta del Canada, Cotogna and Granny Smiths. It's a healthy product, as apples are grown without forcing nature and while respecting the Biodynamic calendar."
"Our apples are all different, they couldn't be sold in stores as they don't have the grades required by the market. According to the biodynamic calendar, harvesting is carried out when the fruit is perfectly ripe. Apples are selected one by one, washed in spring water and processed immediately."
Research has proved that clear apple juice is good for the health because it is rich in antioxidants and mineral salts such as iron, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, polyphenols and vitamins. Drinking a 100 ml glass is like eating three whole apples, peel and seeds included. It is also a natural remedy against insomnia if drunk before going to bed together with the addition of a teaspoon of Zolla14 apple vinegar.
The analyses carried out so far will continue to prove the total absence of chemical substances, which can sometimes simply be deposited on the fruit. This is further proof of just how valid this method of cultivation is.
"The idea to process these special apples came to us almost by chance. 2007 was characterised by overabundant productions. We decided to use the apples to make juice in the organic lab nearer to us. The first 300 bottles of Royal Gala juice were a success, as quality was considered to be extraordinary by experts despite the fact we had used a single apple variety harvested in August."
"The juice range now includes various products with many flavours and pairings. We use whole apples, including the core and seeds, which are rich in precious nutrients. We press them cold and leave the juice to decant one night, then bottle it then next day, maintaining a small part of the pulp containing fibre and pectins. In addition to low-temperature pasteurisation, this deposit helps the flavour evolve during the long ageing, which often lasts over 3 years."
"The idea to process these special apples came to us almost by chance. 2007 was characterised by overabundant productions. We decided to use the apples to make juice in the organic lab nearer to us. The first 300 bottles of Royal Gala juice were a success, as quality was considered to be extraordinary by experts despite the fact we had used a single apple variety harvested in August."
"The juice range now includes various products with many flavours and pairings. We use whole apples, including the core and seeds, which are rich in precious nutrients. We press them cold and leave the juice to decant one night, then bottle it then next day, maintaining a small part of the pulp containing fibre and pectins. In addition to low-temperature pasteurisation, this deposit helps the flavour evolve during the long ageing, which often lasts over 3 years."
The juice has no additives (100% fresh apples) and is placed in 500 and 750 ml glass bottles with high UV protection - similar to those used for sparkling wine. Once open, it can be kept in the fridge for 8 days.
The seven juices available can be distinguished by the colour of the cap.
Auro rosso: Clear apple juice extracted from the Royal Gala variety harvested in August. Fresh, delicate flavour and lightly scented. A true early summer gem.
Auro blu: Clear apple juice extracted from the Royal Gala and Golden Delicious varieties to combine the late summer and early autumn harvests creating a mix of aromas that exalts the qualities of the apples.
Auro giallo: Clear apple juice extracted from the Golden Delicious variety harvested in September. Sweet aromatic flavour. It maintains the aroma of the fruit from the peel to the crunchy flesh.
Auro viola: Clear apple juice extracted from the Fuji variety harvested in early October. Sharp lively taste, the same as the flesh of this firm crunchy apple.
Auro rosa: Clear apple juice extracted from the Golden Delicious, Fuji and Imperatore varieties harvested between late September and mid-October. The colour and aromas combine harmoniously with the tannins.
Auro verdeblu: Clear apple juice extracted from the Cotogna and Renetta del Canada varieties harvested in late October. They are processed together to exalt their aroma.
Auro argento: Clear apple juice extracted from the Granny Smith variety harvested in mid-December, when the temperature gets closer to zero but the sun is still warm enough to give a red hue to the green peel.
"We try to process the raw material as best as we can year after year to promote our small niche productions."
Zolla14 products are commercialised in a segment characterised by low volumes and therefore higher prices. The latest products are IULIUS, a white peach nectar made with 4 cultivars perfect for cocktails and introduced in 2017, and ASIA, Mostarda Veneta perfect to be paired with cheese and white meats launched in 2018.
Zolla14 Organic Farm Project apple vinegar.
"We have no competitors at the moment, because no one ever tried ageing clear apple juice to obtain millesimato products similar to wine before. Zolla14 Organic Farm Project represents Italy with RISERVA AURO. I spent years developing this product, as I tested various apple juice varieties which were aged, just as you do with wine, to develop a flavour that is not possible to achieve with freshly-extracted juice.
Zolla14 Organic Farm Project apple vinegar.
"We have no competitors at the moment, because no one ever tried ageing clear apple juice to obtain millesimato products similar to wine before. Zolla14 Organic Farm Project represents Italy with RISERVA AURO. I spent years developing this product, as I tested various apple juice varieties which were aged, just as you do with wine, to develop a flavour that is not possible to achieve with freshly-extracted juice.
Nutritional values.
Ingredients: 100% apple juice * *ORGANIC AND BIODYNAMIC
Average nutritional values for 100g: Energy value Kcal 49
Energy value K J 205 • Protein 0 • Total carbohydrates 12.1
Carbohydrates (of which sugar) 8.8 • Total fats 0 • Fats (of which saturated) 0
Salt 0 • Calcium 0.96 • Copper 0.01 • Iron 0.23 • Potassium 0.76
Magnesium 0.57 • Manganese 0.02 • Zinc 0.09 • Sodium 0.34
Total polyphenols (in Gallic Acid) mg/l 1050
Contacts:
ZOLLA14 Organic Farm Project
31030 Carbonera Treviso - Italy
Tel.: +39 0422 445545
Cell. +39 338 4199557
Email: bio@zolla14.it
Web: www.zolla14.it