About

The biodynamic organic extra virgin olive-oil “Zesira” is entirely and exclusively produced at our biodynamic organic farm, situated in south-east Sicily, in the territory of Modica (region of Ragusa), at approximately 300 metres above sea level. The farm is 20 hectares (49.42 acres) in area. We produce olives, wheat and carobs.

          Our farm has a long family tradition. Our grandfathers cultivated these lands without chemical fertilizers and herbicides and we have been continuing to safeguard this treasure by practising the Biodynamic Agriculture method with great care and for more than 25 years now. Biodynamic agriculture embraces not only our love for nature but also our cultural, spiritual, artistic and scientific interests. It’s a lifestyle choice based on quality of life.

          Biodynamic agriculture is the new agriculture but, at the same time, is the oldest consciously organic approach to farming and gardening and it’s one of the most sustainable. It is founded on a holistic and spiritual understanding of nature and the human being and it is built on the pioneering research work of the philosopher, educator and activist Rudolf Steiner, whose philosophy is called “anthroposophy”. It considers the farm as a real living organism with a closed cycle, as part of a bigger cosmic living organism.

          Biodynamics is the spiritual-ethical-ecological approach to agriculture, food production and nutrition first developed in the early 1920s, based on the spiritual insights and practical suggestions of Steiner. Central to his thinking is the idea that in order to mantain a balanced farm one must take into account the total environment – rock, strata, soil, atmosphere and natural vegetation. Biodynamic farmers strive to create a diversified, balanced farm ecosystem that generates health and fertility as much as possible from within the farm itself.

          How is biodynamic different from organic? Every biodynamic farm aims to become self-sufficient in compost, manures and animal feed, all external inputs are kept to a minimum, crop quality is improved using natural manure and quartz-based preparations and compost is treated with special herb-based preparations. An astronomical calendar is used to determine the best planting, cultivating and harvesting time. Like in organic agriculture, no synthetic fertilizers, insecticides, fungicides, herbicides or growth hormones are used. In addition, biodynamic involves the use of special plant and animal preparations that enhance the formation of active humus in compost and manure heaps. Other preparations promote vitality in soil and plants. Biodynamic farmers work in harmony with nature, planting their crops according to the phases of the moon.

          Biodynamic produce is marketed using the Demeter symbol and guarantees to consumers that food has been grown and produced to international biodynamic production and processing standards.

          Why should the consumers choose the Demeter products? Because they have been created for the health of the Earth and our own health.

          Our farm possesses two important certifications, the organic EU trademark, ICEA, and also the international Biodynamic Demeter certification. There are approximately 700 olive-trees of the most famous of Sicily’s varieties, “Moresca”. The olive-harvesting and the cleaning of the olives is entirely done by hand. Immediately after that, the olives are cold pressed. These are the reasons why the acidity level of our olive-oil is normally very low and the flavour and delicate, lush and fruity perfume of the olives are entirely preserved. Great on salads, for bread dipping or as a finish drizzle on pasta or on Mediterranean dishes.

          The love for this elixir and the great respect for all those who enjoy our products help us to persevere with our biodynamic approach.