Le erbe in tavola

Le erbe in tavola: A Valsesian spring in Fobello

Every spring, the small village of Fobello, nestled in the upper Valmastallone valley in the Province of Vercelli, dedicates a day to rediscovering the edible wild herbs found in its mountain meadows. "Le erbe in tavola" is not a traditional festival, but a participatory experience that invites visitors to walk, forage, cook, and dine together, reviving the rural wisdom passed down through generations in Valsesia.

A botanical walk to the Carestia Tirozzo Museum

The day begins in the center of Fobello with a botanical walk along the "Sentiero dell'Arte" (Art Trail), which leads from the parish church to the Campelli hamlet, home to the Carestia Tirozzo Museum. The route is accessible to everyone and offers a perfect opportunity to learn how to identify wild meadow herbs under the guidance of experts from the CAI Varallo section. Those who prefer can drive directly to the museum.

Cooking and tasting wild herbs

The heart of the event is the communal meal: the gathered herbs are cooked together and transformed into a warm dish enjoyed in the garden in front of the museum. It is a tangible demonstration of how Valsesian mountain cuisine celebrates the bounty of nature through seasonal, zero-mile, and traditional "cucina povera" (peasant cooking).

The Carestia Tirozzo Museum and Puncetto lace

The day concludes with a guided tour of the Carestia Tirozzo Museum, a treasure trove of local culture. Visitors can explore the collection of traditional costumes, the precious herbarium of Abbot Carestia—a renowned local botanist—and the Puncetto Museum, dedicated to the intricate needle lace typical of Valsesia. It is a fitting finale that naturally links botany, craftsmanship, and the region's history.

An event to discover Fobello and the Valmastallone valley

Organized by the Pro Loco of Fobello in collaboration with the CAI Varallo section and supported by the Municipality of Fobello, "Le erbe in tavola" kicks off the spring-summer calendar titled "Ancora insieme al Museo Carestia Tirozzo." It is an ideal opportunity to discover one of the most authentic corners of the Alpine Piedmont, far from the crowded tourist routes, surrounded by pristine nature, traditions, and mountain hospitality.