"In our orchards and gardens, we grow seasonal fruits and vegetables, edible flowers and herbs, which are transformed into top-quality gourmet products. Product availability naturally varies with the seasons, although with climate change it is almost impossible to forecast volumes. We specialize in the production of Rose Petal Delight, a compote of petals from our roses, with an unmistakably delicious and genuine flavor. We managed to maintain the color, fragrance and flavor of freshly picked roses!" says Cesare Bazzano, owner of Agricola I Dossi.
Agricola I Dossi is based in Gambolo, in the northern Italian province of Pavia, where it grows raw materials on 50 hectares, and obtains preserves from raspberries, blackberries, blackcurrants, plums, Isabella grapes, nectarines and apricots, and the very special rose petal compote. The lines of fruit jams to accompany cheese and meat are available in 100-gram sizes available in flavors: spicy white onion, red onion jam, green tomato jam, and spicy apple.
"We do not have a real flagship product," explains Vittoria Pedrazzini, head of the processing laboratory, "because we only process what we grow according to the seasonality and abundance of the harvest, which varies from season to season. For example, this summer's drought caused a lower production of grapes and blackberries, in contrast a higher production of apricots. This is to emphasize how difficult it is today to plan crops in terms of right availability. Also complicated, as a result, is the application of agronomic techniques that can reduce phytosanitary problems."
"To enhance energy conservation, we use eco-sustainable cultivation methods with low environmental impact. To avoid water waste, we irrigate vegetable gardens and orchards with drip systems; in addition, the practice of crop rotation allows us to ensure, in a natural way, the control of weed species."
Agricola I Dossi also undertakes contract processing, by providing its laboratory to third-party companies. In winter it makes seasonal sweet and sour vegetables, while in summer it prepares mixed vegetables such as cabbage, squash, onions, green tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, and various vegetable mixes. The giardiniera, for example, is a mix of vegetables available on the spot, packaged in 300-gram format. It is processed at low heat stress to maintain fragrance and crispness of the ingredients.
"I believe that in an artisan-processed reference, the recipe is of utmost importance, because otherwise there is a risk of loss of flavor of the vegetables."
Dehydrated vegetables for the preparation of minestrone are also in great demand, whose 50 g format is equivalent - when rehydrated - to 500 g of fresh vegetables. The advantage of dried vegetables is that, as they contain less water, they also contain less bacterial load in parallel; moreover, once rehydrated, they retain their initial properties. Most importantly, it is possible to have vegetables available year-round, even for those products that usually have a seasonal life cycle.
"I believe that the secret of a good processed product," concludes Vittoria Pedrazzini, "is the processing of fresh raw material and a traceable supply chain, from planting to harvesting. The difference between industrial and artisanal production naturally lies in the processing. Every step of our processing is done by hand, inside our processing laboratory. All our products are free of dyes and preservatives-that's why they are products of the highest quality."
For more information:
Azienda Agricola I Dossi
Via Necisso, 4
27020 Tromello (PV)
+39 349 7780990
laboratorio.idossi@gmail.com
www.aziendaagricolaidossi.it