THE FLAVOURS OF VERSILIA

Certain products risk being forgotten, others seen altered to follow short-lived fashions. For this reason, the Association of the Flavours of Versilia was founded in 2004 in order to protect but also to highlight the merits and quality of products and typical specialities of the Versilia, especially the "land" ones .The president of the association is Gabriele Ghirlanda, a genuine food manager who has surpassed himself in promoting "gourmet" Versilia. There are 21 businesses and manufacturers that offer products ranging from bread to salami, honey to beans and flour to cheese. Recently a wine manufacturer has joined the association because in Versilia, the area in the hills which borders with Candia, also produces wine. The association has taken part in fairs and tasting demonstrations so that the quality of its products is maintained. A task that is not easy in an area that until now has been dominated by its fish cuisine. Among all the products in the association, the one that must be singled out is honey. Versilia is establishing itself as the "land of honeys", in particular the brand that is produced from the flowers within the boundaries of the "Regional Park of Migliarino, Massaciuccoli and San Rossore". This honey, which owes its particular delicate flavour to the flowers which grow near the beach, is very special. It is perfect spread on bread but also served with a slice of Tuscan pecorino cheese (Controlled Denomination of Origin). Excellent honey is evidence of bees in Versilia, above all though, their presence is a guarantee that the air in our area is healthy and unpolluted.