Our brand has deep roots, born over thirty years ago from the passion of Federico Santamaria, the founder, for unspoiled nature, the wild fruits of the forest, and authentic cuisine, capable of telling stories and celebrating the bond with the land.
The shop is located in the heart of our village, right in the main square, just a few steps from the artisanal workshop, hidden among the charming “caruggi” (narrow alleys) of the historic center. Upon entering, you will be enveloped by the intense aromas of dried mushrooms and, during the season, those of freshly picked mushrooms, as well as the delicate fragrance of small wild fruits such as blueberries and raspberries. At the center of the space, an old island made from a vintage flour cabinet displays large jars of porcini mushrooms: a true feast for the eyes and a joy for the palate.
THE PRODUCTS
In our artisanal workshop, we produce a packaged line of dried and pickled mushrooms, creams, sauces, jams, chestnuts, and a selection of appetizers and side dishes. Each recipe is inspired by tradition, reinterpreted to enhance the ingredients to their fullest. Every step of the process is entirely manual: from the careful selection of ingredients to the preparation and packaging. Most of the cooking is done at low temperatures to respect and preserve the qualities of the raw materials.
We process the porcini mushrooms immediately after harvesting, and once dried, we select and divide them into three main categories: “Extra,” “Special,” and “Commercial,” as per regulations.
THE TERRITORY
We produce and live in Calizzano, a charming mountain village located in the Val Bormida, in the province of Savona, in the heart of Liguria. The area is surrounded by lush forests of beech trees, chestnuts, and fir trees. One of Calizzano’s natural treasures is its spring water, renowned for its purity and high quality. For this reason, there is a local plant that bottles mineral water, celebrating one of the most valuable resources of the region. Every autumn, the “Sagra del Fungo” (Mushroom Festival) takes place, attracting many visitors who can enjoy local products and experience authentic Ligurian mountain cuisine. The town also boasts an interesting architectural heritage, with historic buildings like the Parish Church of San Lorenzo and the Sanctuary of Madonna delle Grazie, both surrounded by greenery.
PAIRINGS
Want to Try Our Products?
Here’s a small selection of pairings we recommend:
Galletti mushrooms.
They have a sweet flavor with a subtle plum aftertaste and are perfect for hearty meats.
Cicalotti mushrooms.
Known as one of the best varieties for white meats, they have a sweet taste with a hint of flour and a delightful crunch.
Sauces and Creams Made with natural ingredients, without preservatives, colorants, or additives, using only 100% Italian extra virgin olive oil. Perfect for appetizers or adding a special touch to your cooking, they bring the authenticity of carefully selected ingredients and the delicious taste of our recipes to the table.
LA CUCINA LOCALE
The castagnaccio is a rustic cake with an ancient flavor, born from the soul of the woods that surround Calizzano. We prepare it with chestnut flour, raisins, pine nuts, and a touch of fragrant rosemary, which adds a slightly pungent freshness, evoking the scent of the damp woods after the rain. We bake it until a light crust forms and thin cracks appear on the surface, resembling the bark of an old chestnut tree. It’s a visual and olfactory delight, even before it becomes a tasty treat. Once prepared, we serve it warm, sometimes accompanied by a ricotta cream or a drizzle of honey, allowing the fragrance to emerge and transport you to the heart of Ligurian traditions, inviting a moment of peace, much like a taste of our land itself—rich, generous, and timeless.