On October 16th, we celebrate World Food Day, established by the FAO to invite the whole world to reflect on how we nourish ourselves and our planet. At Orti Dipinti, our community urban garden in the heart of Florence, we believe that real change starts from the earth. We grow fresh vegetables following the rhythms of nature, but on this special occasion, we want to shine a spotlight on one of our most beloved and beneficial products: aromatic herbs and aromatic salts. A concentrate of flavor and health that brings the essence of our garden directly to the community’s table.
Why are aromatic salts the stars of this day?
Aromatic salts enhance the flavor of food, allowing us to drastically reduce the amount of sodium used, a fundamental step for a healthy and preventive diet. By strictly grinding coarse sea salt together with our fresh herbs by hand, using a mortar and pestle, we create a seasoning that enriches dishes by releasing vibrant, natural fragrances without straining the body. This practice perfectly aligns with the values of World Food Day, proving how a small change in our daily habits can promote physical well-being and enhance local biodiversity.
What aromatic plants do we grow in our Florentine garden?
We grow a wide variety of Mediterranean and global herbs, including rosemary, sage, thyme, oregano, marjoram and Vietnamese coriander , using agroecological practices that respect the soil and pollinating insects. In the protected microclimate of Orti Dipinti, these plants develop intense fragrances and extraordinary beneficial properties. Taking care of these garden beds is not just an agricultural act, but a true exercise in urban regeneration that that nourishes our entire community.
How are our salts prepared?
We harvest fresh, seasonal herbs from our garden beds and immediately grind them in a mortar alongside coarse salt crystals. This artisanal technique is both elegant and highly functional: through natural osmosis, the salt absorbs the leaves’ moisture, perfectly preserving their intense fragrances and botanical properties without decay. To craft vibrant and unique blends, we look beyond traditional sea salt, experimenting with colors and textures from around the world: from Himalayan pink and volcanic black to amber Indian salts. It is a seamless fusion of distant culinary traditions and the rich biodiversity of our Florentine garden.
How can I learn to make my own aromatic salt?
We regularly host hands-on workshops at Orti Dipinti, guiding you through a sensory experience deeply connected to nature. In these sessions, open to everyone by reservation, you will not find pre-packaged ingredients. Instead, we teach you to identify and sustainably harvest fresh herbs directly from our planters. Armed with a mortar and pestle, you will learn to balance the garden’s aromatic profiles and pair them with diverse crystals to create a bespoke blend to take home. It is an engaging, convivial way to embrace mindful self-production while unlocking the secrets of urban botany.
Rethinking how we eat is also about rediscovering the joy of doing things together, getting our hands in the soil, and respecting nature’s cycles. We would love for you to visit us at Orti Dipinti in Florence: take a stroll among our fragrant planters, discover our aromatic salts, and join our workshops. Together, one pinch at a time, we can cultivate a healthier, more sustainable future for our city. We can’t wait to see you in the garden!