The first “Course on medicinal plants and the extraction of essential oils and aromatic waters” was held at Casa Fabrica di Montecchio on Saturday 21 May. Organized by the Terra di San Marino Consortium, Ghenea Essential and the San Marino Olive Growers Cooperative, the course aroused a lot of interest from both enthusiasts and simply curious, and saw numerous members, including from neighboring municipalities. The aim of the day was the knowledge of the world of medicinal products and the awareness of the benefits that man can derive from it. In the first part of the day Laura Ederle and Manuel Genesini, well-known experts in the sector, guided the participants through the vast world of medicinal products: after the description of the main plant families, they illustrated the ancient history of distillation and the traditions they have preserved. this art to this day. They then clarified what an essential oil is, how it goes from such rustic and simple plants to such a precious product and how much these allies will contribute to our physical and mental well-being. It is interesting to learn more about the officinal plants grown in our area, particularly suited to giving light to essential oils of excellent quality and with an intense aroma. Following a taste of the products of the Terra di San Marino Consortium: from loaf bread seasoned with extra virgin olive oil flavored with thyme and rosemary, to noodles of stone-ground ash wheat, to Centrale del Latte ricotta, bresaola, honeydew honey from the Beekeepers’ Cooperative and wines from the Consorzio Vini Tipici di San Marino. A sweet surprise is the collaboration with Cremeria Delizia and Altro Gelato for the creation of ice creams with essential oil of lavender and rosemary, produced with organically grown plants in the San Marino area. “We believe that an experience can be defined as complete only if you touch reality with your hand: it is very important to add practical experimentation to the theoretical notions” explains Manuel Genesini, assembling a small distiller. In fact, those present participated in their own distillation and territory of you cultivated on ours, when they are the apparent emotion has overwhelmed all the first droplets of essential oil. Given the course, the Terra di San Marino Consortium continues to disseminate information activities that can spread the knowledge and passion for everything related to Amarinese agriculture. In fact, the Consortium’s mission is to create awareness of all that the earth can give us, both in terms of nourishment, health, well-being but above all emotions.