Cotta Organic Farm

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Cotta Organic Farm is in Pantasina – hinterland of Imperia – in the hilly area of the “Riviera dei Fiori” (“Flower Riviera”).

For five generations it has carried on the tradition of lavender cultivation in the Ligurian Alps. From the second half of the nineteenth century, until the 1950s, the harvest of wild lavender, spontaneous plants above 2.600 ft, represented an important economic resource for the mountain populations of western Liguria. In the summer, women collected the precious ears then sold them to local distilleries. The great-grandfather of the current owners, Francesco Iberto, was among the first entrepreneurs to buy lavender for its distillery, then in the 1920s, he started planting Lavandula officinalis and Lavandula hybrida “Abrialis’” himself. Lavender was then distilled in traditional copper stills and sold to important perfume and soap industries of that time.

Today, Cotta Organic Farm still cultivates and distils Lavender entirely by hand, using traditional copper stills.
Rosa centifolia and damascena, rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.), clary sage and helichrysum are also distilled here.
All products are certified by Bioagricert.

The Cotta company also cultivates 12 acres of Taggiasca high-quality olive groves, organically farmed and harvested by hand. The first and only pressing is made with traditional stone mills and a centrifuge, in order to obtain top-quality extra virgin olive oil. The oil mill can be visited all year round with guided tasting-tours, while the oil can be also purchased on-site. Alternatively, it can be bought on-line, using the company’s official website.

Extra virgin olive oil and lavender essential oil are currently used also for a range of natural organic cosmetics known as Biocosmesi Essensè.

The Cotta company also includes “Agriturismo Il Roccolo”, a 2,5-acre farm surrounded by lavender fields, oaks and groves. It’s completely fenced, features lawns and huge recreational areas, ideal for children. The stable is definitely worth visiting as well, with goats, chickens, roosters and rabbits.

This post is also available in: Italiano (Italian)