Strait between the provinces of Lucca, Florence, Siena, Livorno and Grosseto and the Tyrrhenian Sea, the Pisa area includes the Lower Valdarno, the basin of the Cecina and the final stretch of the Serchio.
To the north, along the lower course of the Arno, are mostly flat area, southeast of the capital of a group of low hills, undulating and gentle, runs parallel to the Tyrrhenian coast. The province offers a wide variety of landscapes and ecosystems, ranging from the green foothills of the Monti Pisani sands and marls of the metalliferous hills, wooded and almost uninhabited, covered by white badlands of Volterra of vineyards and olive groves, and the plains of the Age Elsa, where the red clay alternate with sandy surfaces, the geysers of Larderello the fertile delta region of the system-Serchio Arno, to arrive at a coastline fringed with pine forests and beautiful dunes. The mild climate, the beneficial influence of sea breezes and an abundance of rivers make this area particularly suited to agriculture. The plains are intensively cultivated with cereals, fodder and sugar beet. Also important is the cultivation of tobacco varieties Kentucky, which is what makes the famous Tuscan cigar. Is no less the "basket" of vegetables, which boasts excellent products such as courgette "Notice" and the artichoke of San Miniato, one of the most flavorful varieties, already known in the Medici kitchen. Among other valuable horticultural products include two tomatoes "Pisanello" and "ribbed florentine" Tuscan cauliflower, legumes (peas, chickpeas and beans) and a rare quality of potato, the Santa Maria del Monte. So the fruit, primarily cherry of Lari, of which there are as many as 19 local varieties, peaches, grapes "Columban" Peccioli, fine table cultivars suited to the practice of withering, watermelons and melons Bientina.
And do not forget the pine nuts, the best of Italy, who for centuries have gathered in the pine forests of San Rossore and Migliarino. The farm has peaks of excellence represented by the cattle and the sheep breed Pisana Massese, from which descends a renowned production of pecorino cheese. Noteworthy also is the production of sausages, a range of specialties where stand absolutely typical.
The area is headed to San Miniato, well known to be rich in historical and artistic values and landscape, is like a huge truffle which grows the most precious fruits of the forest, the Pico Tuber, better known as white truffles. This whole area of the province is rich in natural, premium quality products such as mushrooms, honey and chestnuts.
We have not mentioned yet the olive and the vine, the two sisters who plants a little counterpoint ‘all over the Tuscan landscape. Olive cultivation is mainly concentrated in the district of Monti Pisani (old, San Giuliano Terme, Kicks, Buti and Vicopisano), in the Val d’Era (Lari, Casciana Spa, Lajatico Peccioli), Volterra and the Cecina Valley. Viticulture, represented by the Chianti of the Pisan Hills, from Montescudaio, Bianco di San Torpé and wines of the Colli Etruria Centrale, is now a booming industry thanks to a commitment to quality and specialization that places Pisano between zones "emerging" of our national landscape.
Cristina Tiliacos.