Yesterday, I re-posted my previous post about our visit to Masseria Salamina in 2015 because we revisited this wonderful destination with friends yesterday. Filippo and his wife Laura were generous enough to host our gang for a tour of their property, vegetable garden and olive oil fields – followed by an olive oil tasting. What a gorgeous property and wonderful experience! 
What I was excited to see were all of the additions since our visit 4 years ago. They have expanded their vegetable garden area and are growing everything from end-of-summer vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers and wild riccola as well as starts for the fall/winter seasons. What I appreciated was the naturalness of the garden. While everything was perfectly labeled, it was looser than the garden that I try to maintain at home. This garden had a beauty in its wildness. Note the biodegradable black “plastic” on the ground. As you know, this plastic is often used in vegetable gardens for controlling weeds or helping to warm the soil for plants that need warm weather.
They have built a new production facility or building to make and package their own tomato sauce, pastas, dried herbs and jams. Be on the lookout for these offerings on their website.
They now have a pen containing chickens and goats. Adorable little 1 year old goats…
They have also added an ingenious solar-powered computer system for their irrigation system. Not only does it monitor weather for impending rainfall to adjust irrigation, but it manages the irrigation throughout their property. This has enabled them to reduce water consumption by 80%!
Filippo partnered with CIHEAM, the Centre for post-graduate training, applied scientific research, partnership actions, international research and cooperation programs located in Bari, to develop this. It makes me wonder if UC Davis’s school of agriculture has something similar that we could use at home… It’s brilliant!
The masseria building looks more beautiful than ever. It is clear that while Filippo is outside tending to the land, his sister Chiara and wife Laura are tending to the home and building.
Everything grown and built at Masseria Salamina is done so organically and sustainably. That even includes the buildings, which if taken down have no negative environmental impact.
If you are considering a trip to the Puglia region and would like an immersive experience into the local culture of agriculture, food, olive oil and wine, consider booking your stay at this charming masseria. Take their cooking classes, learn to make pasta and tomato sauce, work in the garden, learn about sustainable agriculture and olive oil, and enjoy delicious food. You will love it! It is my choice for our next visit to Puglia.
