The Cheesemaker's Herbs

The Cheesemaker's Herbs: a widespread festival in the Orobic valleys

In the Alta Val Brembana, where the culture of cheesemaking is still alive, the The Cheesemaker's Herbs festival celebrates the deep connection between the wild herbs of the pastures and alpine cheeses. The event, promoted by Slow Food Valli Orobiche, is a widespread initiative involving eleven municipalities in Altobrembo: Averara, Cassiglio, Cusio, Mezzoldo, Olmo al Brembo, Ornica, Piazza Brembana, Piazzatorre, Piazzolo, Santa Brigida, and Valtorta.

Mezzoldo and the alpine herbs

The Municipality of Mezzoldo, in the Province of Bergamo, participates in the festival with a dedicated event: the guided excursion 'Le Erbe d'Alpe' (Alpine Herbs), an outing through the mountain meadows to discover the wild herbs that have accompanied cheesemaking in these pastures for centuries. The excursion is led by experts and phytopathologists who explain the identification and uses of the herbs, drawing from culinary and folk traditions.

Cheeses, visits, and workshops

The overall festival program, spread over several weekends, includes:

• visits to dairies and social dairies, with cheesemaking demonstrations
• cheese tastings, including four DOP cheeses and Slow Food Presidia products
• nature excursions and "herb hunts" for families
• workshops, such as preparing herbal liqueurs
• aperitifs, musical interludes, and visits to local museums

A journey into Orobic culture

Participating in The Cheesemaker's Herbs means connecting with the most authentic soul of the Alta Val Brembana: a land of pastures, ancient knowledge, and excellent products. For Mezzoldo and the other municipalities of Altobrembo, the festival is a precious opportunity to showcase and enhance a unique gastronomic and environmental heritage in Lombardy.