Let us venture into the plant ecosystem that allows a product to claim its organoleptic identity. Using quality botanicals, officinal plants of distinction, in gin production, as with Gin Vettore, means obtaining a distillate of exceptional quality, one that sets itself apart from any comparable product with ease.
What are botanicals?
The term botanical or botanicals refers to all plants of the vegetable kingdom that are edible and can be used either for transformation or consumed as they are.
Some of these are most commonly employed in the production of liqueurs and related spirits, such as amari and distillates, and allow the definition of organoleptic qualities, creating true fans of fragrances and flavours that differ markedly from one another.
Which are the most important botanicals in gin production?
The term botanical or botanicals refers to all plants of the vegetable kingdom that are edible and can be used either for transformation or consumed as they are.
Some of these are most commonly employed in the production of liqueurs and related spirits, such as amari and distillates, and allow the definition of organoleptic qualities, creating true fans of fragrances and flavours that differ markedly from one another.
Juniper
The most widely used aromatic plant and of primary importance in gin production, without it, no distillate may claim the name.
It is used in the form of berries, both through infusion and maceration, before proceeding to the distillation phase.
The scientific name of this botanical, Juniperus communis (common juniper), belongs to the conifer family. Its succulent seeds, in alcoholic solution, impart the characteristic balsamic and pungent flavour.
Origin: Seventy-five varieties of juniper are recognised. Many exist in the wild, each possessing pronounced aromatic qualities that, where suitable for food use, broaden the aromatic bouquet. Here are some of the most notable:
● Juniperus communis, common juniper thrives on the slopes and escarpments of mountains, particularly in the Apennines. In Italy, its berries (known as coccole) are used to flavour meats, especially roast game, and above all in liqueur-making for the production of gin and other spirits. The largest distilleries in Europe prefer the aromatic excellence of this botanical, as it is the richest in essential constituents from which pronounced aromatic notes can be drawn, compared to other juniper varieties.
● Juniperus oxycedrus, known as prickly or red juniper, is typical of the Mediterranean maquis, especially the coastal zones of the Mediterranean basin. It grows upright, reaching a maximum height of eight metres. The subspecies of this variety is colloquially called “ginepro coccolone” and its fruits are known as coccole. The prized wood is used in the construction of boats, roof beams and floors. Distillation of this wood yields an oil used as a component in ointments, while its fruits are employed in liqueur-making as flavourings or as components in alcoholic recipes such as gin.
● Juniperus sabina, a poisonous species, not edible and therefore unsuitable for food use. It takes the form of a small tree and is found in the Majella National Park, where it is at risk of extinction.
● Juniperus conferta, native to Japan, with berries ranging from dark blue to black, grows in arid habitats and on sand dunes. Resistant to drought, it is also known as Juniperus Blue Pacific.
● Juniperus horizontalis, with a trailing habit, also called creeping juniper, takes on colourings from bronze to reddish to violet and even silver when growing in very cold climates.
● Juniperus deppeana, a variety native to Central America, found mainly in Arizona, Mexico, Texas and New Mexico. Commonly called alligator juniper, the bark displays grey-green striations reminiscent of alligator skin.
● Juniperus phoenicea, also known as Phoenician juniper, is a typically Mediterranean variety, found mainly in eastern Spain, Andorra, southern France and a small portion of north-western Italy. Its wood is of excellent quality and the berries are used primarily as flavourings, in addition to possessing important phytotherapeutic properties, despite the plant being considered toxic. Unlike common juniper, its leaves do not prick.
● Juniperus chinensis, or Chinese juniper, is a plant native to China, Myanmar, Japan, Korea and the Russian Far East, cultivated essentially for ornamental purposes.
● Juniperus scopulorum, or Rocky Mountain juniper, is a species native to North America and the United States. The plant can be used in various ways: boiling the leaves and inner bark produces an infusion for treating coughs and fevers, while the cones can be boiled for a laxative effect or to treat colds. Additionally, a small quantity of ripe berries can serve as emergency food or a meat seasoning. Dried berries, when toasted and ground, become a coffee substitute.
● Juniperus procumbens, otherwise known as Juniperus nana, is a Eurasian type of juniper found between 1,500 and 2,500 metres altitude, never exceeding 50 cm in height. The plant is cultivated essentially for ornamental purposes, thanks to its creeping, ground-covering habit and pleasant, pungent fragrance.
● Juniperus occidentalis, known as western juniper, is a shrub or tree native to the western United States.
● Juniperus squamata, the flaky or Himalayan juniper, is a coniferous shrub species of the cypress family, native to the Himalayas and China. Widely cultivated as an ornamental plant for its bluish foliage and compact habit, it has won the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.
● Juniperus virginiana, also called “Eastern red cedar,” is a species cultivated in timber arboriculture. Native to north-eastern North America, it is a tree that can reach 30 metres in height. Its leaves are grey-green, partly needle-like and partly scale-like. It produces erect, pruinose, ovoid pseudo-berries. The plants are used essentially for ornamental purposes.
● Juniperus pfitzeriana (Juniperus x media ‘Pfitzeriana’) is a broad-spreading conifer originating from Asia. The plant is a hybrid between Juniperus chinensis and Juniperus sabina. Commonly used as an ornamental species, it can grow from three to six metres.
Beneficial properties: Juniper berries possess numerous beneficial properties. Among others, they help improve digestion, have diuretic and antimicrobial functions and promote the contractility of smooth muscle, especially that of the uterus. However, it has not been proven that the consumption of juniper berries can reduce urinary tract conditions such as cystitis.
When applied topically, the berries have an antiseptic function. Many patients with rheumatic conditions report that juniper essential oil can improve their symptoms. Massaging it into the affected area can yield notable improvements. This does not, however, apply to oral consumption, which appears to have no such effect.
Principal uses:
The juniper plant can be used in various ways, starting with its wood. As common juniper wood is intensely aromatic, it can be used to make small furniture. Red juniper wood, on the other hand, is used to extract “cade oil,” employed in veterinary medicine against dermatological infections. Virginia juniper wood, with its dark-red, highly fragrant heartwood, is used in the production of pencil casings.
Like bay laurel, juniper berries are used as a culinary aromatic herb. They lend themselves well to raw marinades and to seasoning offal and game during cooking. Having a hard consistency, the berries tend to crumble, so it is advisable to remove them before serving.
Furthermore, as we know, juniper berries are used to flavour alcoholic beverages. Through ethyl distillation of the fermented juice, spirits such as juniper eau-de-vie and ginepreto are obtained. Alternatively, distilling alcohol over the berries yields gin. Other common uses include flavouring beverages like kaddikowe piwo (Poland) and sauces and preserves such as wodnjika (Serbia).
Cultivation
Juniper adapts well to woodland, mountain and arid habitats, as it is a plant that does not require much water and grows vigorously in sunny areas.
The fruits, called “coccole,” give the juniper its colloquial name “ginepro coccolone.” They have been used since ancient spagyric methods, as they were employed to treat viper bites, and their burnt branches were used to prepare ointments against rheumatism and as a pain reliever.
Widely used in kitchens around the world, juniper is best known for its role in gin production.
Angelica
Angelica (Angelica archangelica) is a plant belonging to the Apiaceae family, whose appearance closely resembles that of umbellifers.
Origin: This plant grows readily throughout much of Europe.
Beneficial properties: Thanks to its essential oil, rich in vitamins and mineral salts, angelica is an excellent tonic for the nervous system and for combating numerous ailments. Its expectorant, bitter and sedative properties are truly remarkable.
Principal uses:
Angelica, thanks to its unique aromatic properties, can be used in cooking, particularly in the preparation of desserts.
This plant, however, lends itself exceptionally well to the production of spirits, where its roots play a leading role in enriching flavours and aromas. The fleshy roots of angelica, with their distinctive fragrance, become protagonists thanks to their aromatic note, a balance between sweet and earthy, which lends a distinctive touch to sauces, marinades and liqueurs.
In particular, angelica roots are used to flavour liqueurs, including the celebrated liquore di angelica, and are employed as a secondary ingredient in distilled gins. A prime example is the gin of the Monti Sibillini. Their presence adds depth and complexity to beverages, creating unique tasting experiences.
It is worth noting that the most aromatic notes are concentrated mainly in the seeds and stems.
Cultivation: This is a very hardy plant that withstands low temperatures well. To cultivate excellent angelica, a moist soil rich in nutrients capable of deeply nourishing the plant is required.
The final quality is significantly influenced by the climate, which should be cool and humid.
Angelica, more precisely its root, is an excellent tonic against fatigue and asthenia. It also proves to be an outstanding stimulant of the digestive system. It is indicated for relieving various complaints such as intestinal spasms, dyspepsia and intestinal gas.
Coriander
Coriander, or Chinese parsley, is a plant belonging to the Apiaceae family, distinguished by its white, umbrella-shaped flowers.
Historical notes: This herb was used many centuries ago, even in Roman and Egyptian civilisations, both as an aromatic plant and as a medicinal remedy for various ailments such as headaches and fevers.
Origin: A plant native to Eastern Europe and the Middle East. Over time, it began to be cultivated across all Mediterranean countries, which remain rich in these plantations to this day.
Cultivation: To obtain the best from coriander, it should be grown in well-sunlit soil that also features areas of shade. Sowing should take place in spring, when the cold is not too harsh and the heat not too scorching.
Harvesting: The flowers of coriander should be gathered early in the morning, when they are still damp with dew. They should then be dried to best preserve their organoleptic qualities, which diminish over time. The fruits can be stored in glass containers, while the seeds should ideally be kept whole, as ground coriander loses its aroma very easily.
Principal uses:
In most cases, coriander is used in various dishes of Eastern cuisine but is also valued as a base aroma in the production of gin and other spirits such as beer.
It should naturally be emphasised that each part of the plant has a more or less pronounced flavour, namely:
– The seeds: These are ground and used to make curry, characterised by a slight lemon note.
– The leaves: Their lemon aroma is more pronounced, enriched by a very pungent aftertaste.
– The root: Can be considered a middle ground between the leaves and the seeds in terms of flavour.
Sage
Sage, or Salvia officinalis, is an evergreen sub-shrub belonging to the Lamiaceae family.
Origin: Native to southern Europe, sage is found in temperate zones throughout the world, growing up to 750 metres altitude.
Beneficial properties: In phytotherapy, sage has stimulant properties for the intestine and gallbladder, while exerting a balsamic and expectorant effect on the respiratory system. It also lowers blood sugar levels.
For external use, sage is antiseptic and has a healing effect, as well as aiding in the treatment of respiratory conditions such as tonsillitis.
Additionally, simply rubbing fresh leaves on the teeth whitens them and purifies the breath. A decoction can be used, as a rinse, to maintain colour in dark hair. Patted onto the facial skin, it also has a cleansing and astringent function.
Principal uses: The aromatic properties of sage make it widely used in cooking, for example, to season meats before grilling.
Beyond that, it is also used in cosmetics for the care of teeth, skin and hair, and in phytotherapy and herbalism, possessing antiseptic, balsamic and expectorant properties.
Cultivation: Highly adaptable, sage prefers both soft, calcareous soils and arid, stony substrates. The plant needs a sunny, warm position, and the bushes must have enough space for the roots, otherwise the leaves will develop yellow spots. The plant does not fear drought but is vulnerable to cold and waterlogging, in the presence of which the leaves turn black.
Lavender
Lavender is a highly branched plant belonging to the Labiatae family.
Origin: The lavender plant is indigenous to the Mediterranean regions but is also common in southern Europe.
Beneficial properties: Lavender flowers are used for their sedative properties and for the antispasmodic effects they exert particularly on the smooth muscles of the digestive tract and the bronchial tree.
Lavender essential oil, on the other hand, is used externally: obtained by distilling the flowers, it possesses excellent anti-inflammatory properties.
Principal uses:
Lavender has many uses, first and foremost as an aid against restlessness and insomnia. Just a few drops of essential oil, for both external and internal use, are enough to feel its beneficial effects.
It is also useful in treating digestive disorders, using its carminative and antispasmodic properties on the gastrointestinal tract to treat flatulence and colic.
Finally, it is essential for treating certain circulatory disorders through balneotherapy. A few drops of lavender essential oil are added to the thermal water in which the patient immerses.
Cultivation: Lavender is a spontaneous plant, often used to prevent erosion on unstable sloping terrain.
Thyme
Thyme is a sub-shrub of the Labiatae family with a bushy habit and branched stems.
Origin: This shrub is readily found in southern Europe and the Balkans.
Beneficial properties: Dried thyme leaves, in the form of an infusion, are used as an antispasmodic. The essential oil, on the other hand, has an antimicrobial function.
Used externally, it becomes an excellent mouthwash for treating oropharyngeal infections.
Principal uses: As already noted, thyme is often used in the form of essential oil for respiratory conditions such as coughs and bronchitis, possessing expectorant and antimicrobial functions.
Widely used in cooking, it pairs perfectly with every type of meat, although its strongly aromatic character means it should be dosed with care.
Cultivation: Thyme cultivation can last up to three or four years, after which the plant tends to become woody. Very sensitive to winter temperatures, it does not adapt to cold climates.
Rosemary
Rosemary is a perennial shrub classified in the Lamiaceae family.
Origin: Typically Mediterranean, it originates from southern Europe and the Mediterranean basin.
Beneficial properties: Often used in herbalism as a digestive, in the form of essential oil it has a balsamic function, being rich in eucalyptol. The plant has also shown strong antioxidant activity, thanks to its ability to inhibit the superoxide anion.
Principal uses: Thanks to the antispasmodic function of its essential oil, rosemary is used to treat dyspeptic disorders, provided it is taken internally.
Furthermore, its analgesic properties mean it is also employed to treat rheumatism and superficial circulatory disorders, provided it is applied externally.
In cooking, rosemary is widely used to season almost every dish, from meat to fish to vegetables. It is often used, moreover, to flavour beverages, wines and distillates.
Cultivation: The plant is essentially indigenous, requiring no special care and adapting readily to every type of soil.
Cassia
The term “cassia” generally refers to a group of plants belonging to the Fabaceae family. Among the various species, the best known are certainly Cassia fistula and Cassia senna. The fruits of these plants have a blackish pulp, with a characteristic odour and a sweetish flavour.
Origin: The plant originates from Ethiopia and is cultivated in tropical regions.
Beneficial properties: This plant is employed as a mild laxative and used in the treatment of constipation.
Cultivation: Being an African plant, cassia prefers warm areas, although it adapts well to any environment. It can even withstand temperatures below zero, albeit for brief periods.
Fennel
Fennel is a biennial or perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Apiaceae family.
Origin: The plant is believed to originate from Asia Minor, though it is in fact widespread throughout the Mediterranean area.
Beneficial properties:
Fennel, thanks to its ability to improve gastric motility, can be used to treat dyspeptic disorders. It is also an excellent remedy for coughs and bronchitis, thanks to its expectorant function.
Principal uses: Fennel fruits are widely used in liqueur-making, in confectionery and as flavourings for cured meats and antipasti; the stems and leaf sheaths are commonly consumed in salads or as aromatics for broth and roasts.
Fennel is also rich in active principles that make it useful in cases of gout, lack of appetite and rheumatism, as well as having a re-balancing effect on the menstrual cycle.
Cultivation: The crop lasts two years, using recently produced seeds. Otherwise, phenomena may occur that impede germination.
Geranium
The geranium is a balcony plant belonging to the Geraniaceae family.
Origin: Native to South Africa, geraniums were imported to Europe and subsequently spread throughout the Mediterranean maquis.
Beneficial properties: Geranium possesses anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and mucous-membrane soothing properties. The essence extracted from the flower has a calming function, useful against stress, agitation and excitability.
A few drops of geranium essence are sufficient to treat wounds, herpes, ulcers, stomatitis, cellulite and water retention, massaged into the affected areas.
Principal uses: The primary use of geranium is in aromatherapy. The flower is used as an antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, soothing agent, antiseptic and astringent.
In cosmetics, it acts as a tonic, countering skin ageing and cellulite. It is also a valuable ally in cases of burns, acne, blisters and sores. Geranium further promotes circulation in cases of heavy legs.
The essential oil is used to prevent mosquito bites, as well as to treat blisters, arthritis and neuralgia.
In cooking, the flowers are used to prepare desserts, while the leaves appear in syrups, teas and tisanes.
Cultivation: Exposure is very important, as geranium does not tolerate intense cold and, at the same time, cannot be left in direct sunlight.
Liquorice
Liquorice is a sub-shrub with erect, cylindrical stems, belonging to the Fabaceae family.
Origin: Liquorice originates from the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern area. The species also grows wild in Italy, Calabria, Sicily, and Spain.
Beneficial properties: This plant is essential for treating and preventing ulcers and gastritis, thanks to its anti-inflammatory function. This property also makes liquorice useful as an antispasmodic of smooth muscle.
Principal uses: Liquorice has many uses. In herbalism and phytotherapy it has proved beneficial in treating stomach ulcers. It also possesses calming and expectorant, purifying, digestive, refreshing and tonic properties.
In dietetics, it is used to correct the flavour of tisanes, among other things. Liquorice is also useful for darkening beer and for lending a pleasant flavour to liqueurs and pastries.
Cultivation: The plant prefers soils subject to periodic flooding, or those with a high water table, warm and deep.
Gentian
Gentian is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Gentianaceae family.
Origin: The plant originates from central to southern Europe.
Beneficial properties: Gentian is principally used to aid digestion, as it increases gastric motility. It is also an excellent remedy for poor appetite in children and for slow, laborious digestion.
Principal uses: Gentian, thanks to its high content of bitter substances, is an effective remedy for stimulating appetite and digestion. It is also employed to counter dyspeptic disorders.
Cultivation: The plant must be cultivated above 1,500 metres altitude. Otherwise, the concentration of active principles would drop by 50%, and the plant would lose much of its potency.
Cloves
An evergreen tree with a pyramidal habit, belonging to the Myrtaceae family.
Origin: Cloves originate from the Moluccas, although today the plant is cultivated in tropical regions such as Indonesia, Zanzibar, Sumatra and Madagascar.
Beneficial properties: Clove essential oil has a strong antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and analgesic power. Its use has, in fact, received official approval for treating inflammation and pain of the teeth and gums.
Principal uses: Clove essence finds its primary use in phytotherapy, as an antiseptic, analgesic and local pain reliever. The plant also has antibacterial and spasmolytic functions.
In dietetics, it is used to flavour certain dishes, stimulate digestion and produce liqueurs. In perfumery, it serves to make “pomanders,” together with oranges or lemons.
Cultivation: The plant needs predominantly shade, in addition to requiring a moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil. It should be watered regularly in summer and watering slightly reduced in winter.
Olive, olive leaves
The olive is a plant with a twisted trunk and sparse crown, belonging to the Oleaceae family.
Origin: Although its origins are uncertain, it is currently cultivated throughout the Mediterranean basin, as well as in the Americas and Australia.
Beneficial properties: The fresh leaves of the plant act particularly on cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure, having a diuretic and vasodilatory effect. When dried, they are used to create a decoction employed against gout and rheumatism.
Principal uses: In folk medicine, olive leaves are very useful for treating arteriosclerosis, hypertension, gout, rheumatism and diabetes mellitus, as well as being used as a remedy against fever.
Cultivation: As noted, the plant thrives in regions with a warm, temperate climate, so its main enemy is cold.
Dog rose
The dog rose is a plant of the Rosaceae family.
Origin: The plant is generally found across the European belt from the Mediterranean to Scandinavia, in central and western Asia, in the Canary Islands and in North Africa.
Beneficial properties: The dog rose contains a great deal of vitamin C, to the point that it was used as a substitute for citrus fruits. Decoctions obtained from leaves, flowers or roots are useful in cases of cold and infection, besides having decongestant, toning, immunostimulant and anti-allergic functions.
The dog rose is also a good diuretic, as well as being useful in cases of heavy menstruation, conjunctivitis and tissue fragility.
Principal uses: Dog rose seeds are also employed in agriculture for making pesticides.
In cosmetics, the plant is used to create scented waters, anti-wrinkle creams, soothing ointments and face masks with a smoothing and astringent function. For treating sensitive skin, compresses of distilled water and dog rose are recommended.
Cultivation: The dog rose is a common understorey shrub, also found in ruderal areas, and can grow up to 1,900 metres altitude. It prefers areas with deep, silt-rich soil.
Chamomile
Chamomile is an annual herbaceous plant belonging to the Asteraceae family.
Origin: Chamomile is cultivated primarily in Germany, Hungary, Yugoslavia, the Soviet Union, Egypt and Argentina.
Beneficial properties: Chamomile essentially possesses antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties, counteracting spasms of smooth muscle. It is therefore used to treat inflammation of mucous membranes, gums and skin.
Principal uses: In dietetics, chamomile is used to prepare infusions and tisanes.
For external use, chamomile extract is useful for inflamed, delicate and acne-prone skin. In cosmetics, chamomile is found in products intended for delicate, sensitive skin and is also a natural hair lightener.
Cultivation: The plant prefers strong, dry, stony soils but adapts poorly to acidic soils. Equally, it tolerates saline soils and soils with a high pH.
Star anise
Star anise is an evergreen tree belonging to the Schisandraceae family.
Origin: The plant is native to north-eastern Vietnam and south-western China.
Beneficial properties: Star anise aids digestion, counteracting dyspepsia. It also improves appetite and the expulsion of gas, besides reducing diarrhoea symptoms.
Principal uses: Star anise is used in cooking as an economical substitute for classic anise, as well as in the production of liqueurs such as “Galliano.” It is also part of the recipe for distillates such as Sambuca, Pastis, Sassolino and various types of absinthe.
Besides featuring in many Eastern, Chinese and Vietnamese recipes, star anise is integrated into French culinary tradition. It is used, for example, to flavour vin brule.
Cultivation: The star anise plant must be well sheltered from cold, dry winds. The soil should be fertile, rich in organic matter, well drained and without waterlogging.
Ginger
Ginger is a herbaceous plant of the Zingiberaceae family.
Origin: The plant originates from the Far East.
Beneficial properties: The principal property of ginger concerns its effects against nausea. Furthermore, when taken orally, the plant is essential in the treatment of dyspepsia.
For topical use, ginger is employed as a counter-irritant and is present in many anti-rheumatic preparations.
Principal uses: Fresh ginger juice may be indicated for treating burns, while the oil is a mild pain reliever and insect repellent. It is also used in both Eastern and Western cuisine to season food, as well as to flavour infusions and tisanes.
Cultivation: Ginger favours a sunny or partially shaded position, while the growing soil should be deep and not very compact.
Cardamom
Cardamom is an Eastern cultivated plant belonging to the Zingiberaceae family.
Origin: The plant is widely cultivated in tropical regions and is thought to have been naturalised in Reunion, Indochina and Costa Rica.
Beneficial properties: Cardamom can be very effective in treating dyspeptic disorders.
Principal uses: Chewing the white seeds of cardamom releases a particular scent, making it especially indicated for halitosis and for correcting the flavour of tisanes.
Widely used in Indian and Asian cuisine, it is the main ingredient of many Indian curries. In Iran and India, it is also used to flavour coffee and tea.
Cultivation: The cardamom plant does not tolerate temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius and cannot be grown in small pots. The plant should be in a shaded but bright position, and the soil must be acidic and consistently moistened.
Almond
The almond is the edible seed produced by the almond tree, a plant belonging to the Rosaceae family.
Origin: A plant native to Asia.
Beneficial properties: For external use, almond oil has strong soothing and emollient properties. Consumed as food, it has moderate laxative properties and provides notable quantities of healthy fats and fat-soluble vitamins.
Principal uses: The almond is essentially used in cooking. From almonds, several derivatives are obtained, such as almond milk, almond oil, almond flour and almond syrup.
Cultivation: The almond tree adapts very well to Mediterranean climates, withstanding both summer heat and low winter temperatures.
Elder
The elder is a plant with a tree-like or shrubby habit belonging to the Caprifoliaceae family.
Origin: The plant originates from Europe and western Asia.
Beneficial properties: Consumed primarily in the form of tisane or infusion, elder is used in phytotherapy as a diaphoretic, anti-inflammatory and diuretic.
On occasion, elder is also employed to help breastfeeding mothers increase milk production.
Principal uses: In addition to its herbalist applications, elder is used in pastry-making and, above all, in the flavouring of liqueurs and distillates.
Cultivation: The plants thrive in both warm and cold conditions but do not tolerate salt-laden winds. They are therefore unsuited to coastal areas.
Hops
Hops is a shrub belonging to the Cannabaceae family.
Origin: The plant is cultivated primarily in central Europe and the Nordic countries.
Beneficial properties: Hops is used in folk medicine as a sedative and, as such, forms part of certain tisane blends, such as those with lemon balm and valerian.
Principal uses: In the culinary field, hops is the principal ingredient of beer. From an herbalist perspective, the plant is an excellent remedy against anxiety, agitation, restlessness and insomnia.
Cultivation: Hops is a plant that does not adapt to warm climates. It needs moist soil and fears drought. The climbing plant also requires winter cold, which allows the plant its months of vegetative rest.
Pepper
From a plant of the Piperaceae family native to India, we obtain the spice known as black pepper. From the same fruits, using different processing methods, various types of pepper are obtained, such as white and green.
Origin:
Beneficial properties: Widely used in Ayurvedic medicine, pepper is one of three spices found in “trikatu,” alongside saffron and long pepper. Its principal property lies in aiding digestion and stimulating metabolism.
Additionally, black pepper has antiseptic and expectorant properties and is valuable for combating depression. Piperine appears to stimulate endorphin production in the brain, acting as a natural antidepressant.
Used externally, pepper also seems useful in combating vitiligo, as well as being helpful in cases of bruising, in order to reduce swelling.
Principal uses: The main use of black pepper remains culinary. Whole grains can enrich salami, sausages and broths, while ground pepper lends a bold tone to meat, fish, pasta dishes, soups and risottos.
Thanks to its slightly spicy character, it pairs perfectly with cheeses and sweet vegetables such as fennel, carrots and peas.
Cultivation: Black pepper is a plant that can be comfortably grown in pots. It thrives at temperatures above 20 degrees Celsius and can be cultivated on a south-facing balcony, though temperatures must never drop below 15 degrees.
Cinnamon
The cinnamon tree belongs to the Lauraceae family, and from its bark the eponymous spice is obtained.
Origin: The plant comes from Sri Lanka.
Beneficial properties: Cinnamon, used as an essential oil, has antimicrobial, eupeptic and astringent functions. For external use, cinnamon oil combats local infections and stimulates circulation. It also possesses deodorising properties and is employed as a mouthwash in the treatment of stomatitis and gingivitis.
Principal uses: Beyond its herbalist applications, cinnamon is used in pastry-making and to flavour tisanes, infusions and beverages such as vin brule.
Cultivation: The plant grows primarily in a warm, humid climate.
Mint
Mint is a perennial herbaceous plant of the Labiatae family.
Origin: The largest cultivation areas are found in Hungary, Yugoslavia, Bulgaria, Romania, England, Morocco and Italy.
Beneficial properties: Used as a flavour corrector in numerous foods and tisanes, it has an important antispasmodic function on the muscle cells of the digestive and respiratory systems, as well as boasting decongestant and balsamic properties.
Principal uses: In herbalism, mint has an antiseptic and refreshing action, besides being a mild analgesic for stomach pains.
In cosmetics, it is used to flavour toothpastes and mouthwashes, while it is widely employed in the confectionery, food and liqueur-making industries.
Cultivation: The plant prefers rich soils; accordingly, the potting mix should be changed at least every two years and, in cold periods, the plant should be covered for protection.
Basil
Basil is an aromatic plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family.
Origin: The plant originates primarily from southern Asia, specifically India and Iran.
Beneficial properties: Local compresses with fresh basil leaves help soothe skin irritations.
In the form of an infusion, it has digestive, antispasmodic, diuretic, antibiotic and anti-inflammatory functions. Basil oil is used in the treatment of rheumatism.
Principal uses: Beyond the herbalist functions cited above, basil is widely used in cooking to season dishes and to flavour liqueurs and infusions.
Cultivation: The plant is not very difficult to grow, provided the soil is soft and well-draining, the climate temperate, and it is watered generously.
Nutmeg
Nutmeg comes from the seeds of Myristica fragrans, an evergreen tree of the Myristicaceae family.
Origin: The plant is native to the Molucca Islands and is also widespread in South-East Asia.
Beneficial properties: When used in high doses, nutmeg has many side effects and therefore finds no place in modern phytotherapy.
In folk medicine, however, the spice is credited with stimulant, astringent, sedative and carminative properties.
Principal uses: Externally, the essential oil is used for the treatment of neuralgia, sciatica and rheumatism. From a culinary perspective, it is widely used in confectionery, although it should be dosed with great moderation given its strongly dominant flavour.
Cultivation: Being an essentially tropical species, the plant requires a humid, warm climate.
Orange
The orange tree is a fruit tree belonging to the Rutaceae family.
Origin: The plant is found mainly in the Mediterranean zone.
Beneficial properties: Oranges, besides being suitable for low-calorie diets, also contain a great deal of vitamin C.
Dried leaves are used in phytotherapy as a mild sedative, diuretic and stomachic. In high doses, a decoction made with dried leaves is an excellent natural remedy for combating coughs.
Dried flowers, on the other hand, are used to treat mild insomnia.
Principal uses: Orange essence is used in cosmetics to create scented waters, shampoos, shower gels and perfumed creams.
In the food industry, sweet orange essence is used to prepare liqueurs, distillates, as well as marmalades and fruit jellies.
Cultivation: Like all citrus fruits, the orange tree prefers warm, temperate climates in which winter temperatures never drop below zero.
Lemon
Like the orange, the lemon is a fruit tree belonging to the Rutaceae family.
Origin: It is cultivated mainly in Mediterranean zones.
Beneficial properties: The lemon has interesting phytotherapeutic, corroborating and stomachic properties. It is capable of stimulating the secretion of saliva and other glands of the digestive system.
The pulp of the lemon is a rich source of vitamin C.
Principal uses: In the food industry, lemon is often used to flavour liqueurs, as well as to mask the unpleasant taste of certain medicines.
Cultivation: Of all citrus fruits, the lemon is among those that can also be grown in pots, provided the correct temperature conditions are maintained or the pot is kept in a limonaia.
Bergamot
Bergamot is a fruit tree belonging to the Rutaceae family.
Origin: It is a plant cultivated in Mediterranean zones.
Beneficial properties: Bergamot oil has anti-inflammatory, disinfectant and healing properties, while the juice obtained from the fruit appears to have cholesterol-lowering activity.
Principal uses: Used primarily in culinary applications, bergamot is useful for flavouring teas and tisanes, as well as liqueurs and distillates.
In cosmetics, it is used to produce scented waters and creams.
Cultivation: The ideal soil for bergamot growth contains humus and is well drained, deep and fertile. The plant grows best in sunny, bright areas.
Citron
The citron is a medium-height shrub, a member of the Rutaceae family.
Origin: In Italy, citron is cultivated mainly in Calabria.
Beneficial properties: Citron essential oil is rarely used directly, as it deteriorates easily. An oil derived from cedrina, a citron variety, is preferred instead.
Certain types of citron, such as the “Vozza Vozza,” are particularly suited for those suffering from stomach acidity, while others, such as the “Buddha’s Hand,” serve purely ornamental purposes.
Citron extract has well-known digestive, carminative and stimulant properties for internal use. For topical use, it possesses germicidal and disinfectant qualities. Adding citron juice to warm water yields a beverage perfect for promoting intestinal transit and treating colitis.
Furthermore, the essential oil is an excellent remedy against cellulite, besides being recommended for promoting hair growth. Similar to citronella, it is also used as a mosquito repellent.
Principal uses: In culinary terms, citron is widely used to prepare candied fruit and carbonated drinks. The rind is also used to decorate desserts and to prepare marmalades.
In cosmetics, it is very useful for preparing scented waters, shower gels and body creams, as well as room fragrances.
Cultivation: Like other citrus fruits, citron needs a mild climate. It is worth remembering, however, that all citrus plants suffer not only from cold but also from excessively intense heat, which can prove harmful over time.
Dill
This is a plant whose intense aroma, reminiscent of anise and cumin, is used especially in Northern European cuisine for many dishes and to flavour various types of distillates.
Origin: Dill is a plant native to south-western Asia which, over the years, has also become naturalised in southern Europe.
Distribution: This species is considered rare in Italy, although it is cultivated in certain areas. Specifically, it is found mainly in northern Italy, more precisely in the Veneto, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Liguria and Trentino-Alto Adige, and partly in central Italy: the Marche, Abruzzo and Molise. Beyond Italy, it can be found in France, Austria and the Balkans.
Habitat: The ideal places to cultivate it are kitchen gardens where the soil is both calcareous and siliceous with a neutral pH, possesses moderate nutritional values and is fairly dry. One of the finest locations in Italy is undoubtedly the Monti Sibillini.
Altitudinal distribution: Dill develops its roots at an altitude between 600 and 1,000 metres.
Dill is a plant rich in beneficial properties that help treat various types of ailments, including indigestion, nervous vomiting, flatulence, intestinal gas and spasms.
According to numerous scientific sources, it also promotes lactation.
Use in distillation:
This aromatic plant is used in the production of gin and other distillates because, particularly through its leaves and seeds, it combines with other ingredients to produce a truly intense and distinctive flavour.
Cultivation: Dill plants are remarkably easy to grow, being among the most robust of all. Moreover, to achieve the best organoleptic qualities, they should grow in locations with ample light exposure and good water drainage. It should not be forgotten that these plants do not tolerate overly moist soils or weeds, requiring repeated hoeing to keep the surrounding ground clear.
Wormwood
Wormwood is a plant belonging to the Asteraceae family, used in many different fields owing to its properties, for example, in medicine and in the distillation of spirits.
Origin: The area of origin of wormwood has been attributed to central-southern Europe or, more precisely, to the Mediterranean states such as Greece and Spain. Today, however, it can also be found in Asia, Africa and parts of Latin America.
Habitat: The ideal terrain for cultivating this extraordinary plant is hills or mountainous areas, though, thanks to its robustness, it can also be grown in flatter zones near inhabited areas. It is preferable to plant this herb in a fairly sunny spot.
Physiology: Wormwood is a plant with a woody base that becomes softer and more pliable towards the leaves. Its fairly rigid stem displays a grey-green colouration, while its leaves are distinguished by a brilliant green.
Principal uses:
This ingredient was traditionally used to produce the eponymous distillate, but it was banned, particularly in the nineteenth century, because it caused severe dependence. Today, however, this distillate is less concentrated and better suited for correcting certain beverages such as Moroccan tea.
Lavender
Lavender is a spermatophyte plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family, distinguished by its intensely fragrant spike-shaped inflorescences.
Historical notes: This plant has always been used for its antiemetic, antiseptic, analgesic, bactericidal, vasodilatory and anti-neuralgic properties. It should also be remembered that lavender was used as a very mild sedative.
Distribution: All the different varieties of lavender grow predominantly in territories close to the Mediterranean, particularly in Africa. It is worth noting that some varieties thrive in India.
Habitat: The ideal soil for lavender varies according to the variety. As for the climate, the ideal ranges from temperate to subtropical.
Appearance: Typically, lavender presents a stem covered with bark that can range from reddish to intense green, green leaves that grow mainly at the base with distinctive shapes, and very woody roots. Of course, one must not forget the flowers with their characteristic violet colour and intense fragrance.
Principal uses:
This plant is employed in many different ways.
The first is its use in the distillation of spirits such as gin: it is able to impart a truly singular and unique aromatic note.
The second use concerns perfumery, where its essential oil is used to produce truly remarkable fragrances.
Finally, lavender is also used in aromatherapy, as it is ideal for combating depressive states, lowering blood pressure and rebalancing the nervous system.
Mela Rosa dei Sibillini
Mela Rosa dei Sibillini, also known as the Marchigiana pink apple, belongs to the domestic apple variety of the Rosaceae family.
Origin: It is an Italian fruit typical of the Monti Sibillini, more precisely from the Tronto valley, which has grown spontaneously in this territory for many years.
Habitat: The best terrain for cultivating this apple variety is the hill country typical of the Monti Sibillini.
Appearance: Mela Rosa dei Sibillini grows on a rustic, highly adaptable tree, resistant to cold, of medium-to-high vigour, with an upright or spreading, compact habit that bears fruit on mixed branches. It is worth noting that there are two types:
– Own-root (a franco piede): Much more resistant to harsh weather but requires more time to bear fruit.
– Grafted: This variety begins producing fruit in a considerably shorter time than the previous one.
Finally, one must not forget the fruit itself, which presents an irregular, asymmetrical, slightly flattened shape yet is at once crunchy and sweet.
Principal uses:
Mela Rosa dei Sibillini can be consumed fresh or used to prepare delicious, simple desserts.
This, however, is not its only use: thanks to its unique flavour and distinctive aromatic profile, it is employed in the distillation of a renowned local product, the gin of the Monti Sibillini.
Lemon balm
Lemon balm is an aromatic plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family, characterised by its distinctive labiate flowers.
Origin: This aromatic plant was already used in antiquity by various civilisations as a natural remedy for different ailments. Moreover, it was used by the Greeks to keep insects away from crops, which is precisely why it bears this name.
Habitat: Lemon balm is a distinctive plant that favours deep, moist soil in which to germinate its roots. As for climate, this aromatic plant prefers temperatures that are not excessively high.
Appearance: This plant presents a very erect, well-branched stem bearing numerous green, heart-shaped leaves and white and pink flowers. Its roots are very thin and long, reaching considerable depth in the soil.
Principal uses:
Thanks to its beneficial properties, lemon balm is used in a great many preparations such as tisanes and infusions. However, this aromatic plant is particularly appreciated for its aromatic note similar to that of lemon, and it is precisely for this reason that it is used in the production of many distillates, such as the gin of the Monti Sibillini.
Conclusions
These botanicals have been selected over time to create national and international distillates of truly exceptional quality. Indeed, even if it may seem surreal, it is important to note that distillation has been, and remains today, a highly particular production process, the fruit of numerous experiments and ancient recipes handed down from generation to generation, which only certain individuals have managed to put into practice and render both unique and closely guarded.