Products

In pursuing the objectives of protection and management of natural environments which constitute habitats necessary for the conservation and enrichment of biodiversity, the Cottian Alps Parks are committed to enhancing agro-silvo-pastoral activities.

The Parchi da Gustare project promotes crops, livestock or products packaged by companies operating in the parks' municipalities, which represent the agri-food biodiversity of protected natural areas.

Flagship products, i.e. those products that identify the territory from which they come, are just some examples of the wealth of products that continue to be produced in our valleys following ancient traditions and using innovative systems.

The Protected Areas of the Cottian Alps, with over 18,300 hectares of surface area, have a clearly diversified territory which includes both mountainous and hilly territories, offering a series of different products depending on the production area. In the three parks located in the mountainous area (the Gran Bosco di Salbertrand natural park, the Val Troncea natural park, the Orsiera Rocciavrè natural park) the practices of mountain pasture and traditional cheese-making are maintained and to enhance some of the cheeses produced within of the protected areas, the "typical cheese of the Cozie Alps Parks" brand was created.

In these areas, a traditional Alpine economy is preferred, linked to the products of the land. In addition to breeding and cheese-making practices, we have the production of honey, favored by the different blooms, and the cultivation of potatoes (mostly ancient varieties).

The hilly area, made up of the Avigliana Lakes Natural Park, is excellent for the cultivation of vegetables (Drubaglio flat onion) for the cultivation of ancient varieties of corn (red ottofile, yellow and red Pignoletto), for the production of honey (of various blooms depending on the season) and finally for sport fishing.

Flagship products, the excellence of the parks

Val Troncea natural park

HONEY: Pragelato honey has a centuries-old tradition, so much so that the municipal banner itself depicts, among other elements, three bees. To testify to the importance of the precious nectar, in 1937 an experimental modern beekeeping station was inaugurated in Soucheres Basses by the University of Turin. Several local honey producers have joined together in a consortium which, using the colorful and fragrant Alpine meadows, produces a sought-after wildflower honey.

Gran Bosco di Salbertrand natural park

POTATO PIATLINA: ancient native variety of the Occitan valleys of Piedmont, it was the first variety originally cultivated, before the importation of new hybrids. It has recently been recovered and can be recognized by its medium size and slightly flattened round shape (hence the name). It is characterized by its pink holes and its white paste, with a strong and fragrant consistency.

Orsiera Rocciavrè natural park

TOMA D'ALPEGGIO PARCHI ALPI COZIE: it is a semi-cooked cheese with a soft or semi-hard texture. It is produced using whole or partially skimmed cow's milk, and is particularly intended for maturing. It is produced only in the summer months in mountain pastures and is characterized by the intensity of perfumes and aromas that derives from the grass of the pastures (butter flavor, floral hints).

Avigliana Lakes Natural Park

THE FLAT BLONDE ONION OF DRUBIAGLIO: variety of blonde onion, with a flattened shape and a very sweet flavour, which makes it suitable for the preparation of delicious culinary specialities. The flat onion is sown in September, transplanted in spring and harvested in summer.