Aromatic herbs in the Emilian tradition: use in cooking and natural remedies
Aromatic herbs have been part of Emilia’s agricultural and cultural heritage for centuries. Grown in home gardens or gathered wild in fields and along the Apennines, these plants have been used to flavour dishes, preserve food, and also as the basis for natural remedies handed down from generation to generation. We can therefore define herbs as a bridge between cuisine, health and rural tradition.
The main aromatic herbs of Emilia and their characteristics
In Emilia, aromatic herbs are distinguished by their variety and quality, favoured by a temperate climate and fertile soils. Among the most traditionally used are:
Rosemary: used for roasts, focaccia and baked potatoes, it is also known for its digestive properties.
• Sage: irreplaceable for tortelli fillings, it is also used in decoctions to soothe the throat.
• Bay leaf: ideal for stews and preserves, it has anti-inflammatory properties.
• Oregano: typical of hilly areas, widely used in sauces and rustic pizzas.
• Thyme and marjoram: often used in aromatic mixes to flavour meat and legumes.
• Wild fennel: traditional in cured meats, especially in homemade sausages from the Apennines.
Use of aromatic herbs in traditional Emilian cuisine
Emilian cuisine makes extensive use of herbs to add aroma and flavour to its iconic dishes. Sage is fried in butter to season ricotta tortelli, while rosemary accompanies roast pork or baked gnocco. Fennel is used in ciccioli, and bay leaves flavour soups and winter legumes. Even homemade tomato preserves are often flavoured with fresh basil.
Natural remedies with aromatic herbs in the Emilian tradition
In addition to cooking, aromatic herbs were once the basis of folk medicine. Sage and bay leaf decoctions were used to treat seasonal ailments, while mint and fennel teas were well-known digestive remedies. Rosemary oil was rubbed on tired muscles, and infusions of oregano and marjoram were recommended for relaxing the mind and body. Some of these remedies are still used today and have been rediscovered thanks to the growing interest in herbal medicine and natural wellness.
Where to buy local herbs in Emilia
Today, it is possible to purchase fresh or dried aromatic herbs directly from farmers’ markets, organic farms, or artisan herbalists in Emilia. Areas such as the hills of Reggio Emilia, Modena and Parma are home to small businesses that cultivate using natural methods. Products such as aromatic salt, essential oils, herbal teas and herbal bath salts complete the range of offerings from a tradition that is being renewed with respect for nature.