We were about to leave Apicoltura Dottor Pescia (Dr. Pescia’s Beekeeping Farm) when Dr. Pescia got somewhat animated asking if he could explain the most important thing. It was at the conclusion of an hour or so tour of some of the farm’s hives and the small plant where more than a dozen honey products from the farm are processed. Dr. Pescia said, to paraphrase, “You must understand how this is part of my soul…”
He then continued, saying “To do this work I have to understand our soil and our flowers. This is not a global product. All of the honey is organized by animals, the bees, whom I love. I talk to my hives….
We were on the Etruscan coast of Tuscany in the province of Livorno when Dr. Pescia spoke these words. Now, back in Chicago after opening one of the honey gifts he gave us, a bottle of honey labeled “Cardo”, which translates as thistle, and ruminating on how it is, without doubt, the best honey we have ever tasted, Dr. Pescia’s words resonate as the moment when he shared their secret recipe—passion.
Dr. Pescia has known the joys of honey production for quite some time. In 1964 his father started the farm, but it was Dr. Pescia took over in 1981 after gaining a degree in agronomy that the company started taking the shape that it has today.
They are the largest honey producer in Tuscany, producing 100 tons a year in a dozen varieties made possible by moving the hives of nomadic bees from one area to the next.
Dr. Pescia’s honey flavors include: acacia; chestnut; Mediterranean wildflower; strawberry tree; ivy; melata di bosco; sweet shamrock; millefiori (mix of flowers); sunflower; linden; eucalyptus; and bramble.
One key to Dr. Pescia’s honey quality might be the pesticide-free Tuscany landscape. The widespread reports of bee hive death in the US and China are seemingly unknown in Tuscany, a place where we met many food producers who eschew pesticides even if they don’t bother with organic certifications.
Take one sip and you won’t forget to mention the mead, honey wine. Look about their shop and see the many cosmetic products made from their honeys too.
You too can tour Dr. Pescia’s bee farm if you have a group of 20. You can arrange tours via the Etruscan Coast Tourism offices (La Strada del Vino e dell’Olio Costa degli Etruschi) by phoning (+39)0565/749768 or directly with Apicolture Dottor Pescia at:
Beekeeping Apicoltura Dottor Pescia
via di Serragrande, 57016 Rosignano Marittimo, Livorno, Italy, (+39) 0586 793060
To buy Dr. Pescia’s honey products in the US– Visit the Ritrovo website.
AND– for the delicious mead (honey wine) —
‘Nettare di Bacco’ is available in the US through B. United International importing company.
For more information on who to contact in your area, visit the Nettare di Bacco website.