How about a taste of true Milanese agriculture? We are standing before Cascina Mischia. It is more than just a farm. It is a testament to agricultural diversification.
Cascina Mischia abandoned cereal monoculture long ago. Instead, it embraced a variety of crops. Melons and watermelons thrive in its open fields. Vegetables flourish in unheated greenhouses.
This transformation wasn’t sudden. Each year, Cascina Mischia expanded its offerings. They gradually introduced fresh fruits. Apple, pear, peach, and plum trees now dot the landscape.
The farm encountered challenges with peach production. The humid climate and silty-clay soil posed difficulties. These conditions often lead to water stagnation. Peach trees do not tolerate this well.
A natural progression led to the farm shop’s growth. It opens seasonally each week. The shop embodies a specific philosophy. It emphasizes the nutritional and organoleptic value of fresh products. This is more than just a business model. It is a cultural commitment.
Stefano Ghidoli manages Cascina Mischia. He also believes in sustainable agriculture. He focuses on conserving tree rows. He preserves small patches of hydrophilic vegetation. These grow along the edges of fields and embankments. Ghidoli minimizes the use of pesticides. This is especially important in fruit and vegetable cultivation.
Cascina Mischia offers a direct sales experience. You can buy seasonal vegetables like strawberries. Watermelons, melons, eggplants, and tomatoes are also available. You might find peppers, pumpkins, zucchini, lettuce, and cabbage.
The farm also sells fresh seasonal fruits. Apples, pears, and plums are common. Peaches are available in the best years. The farm shop is open from April to November. You can visit Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2 PM to 6 PM. Saturdays are also an option from 10 AM to 12 PM.
Cascina Mischia exemplifies the traditional cascina. These farms are typical of the Po Valley. They are especially common in Lombardy. They have existed since the 16th century. They became more prevalent in the 18th and 19th centuries. During the Napoleonic era, some religious buildings transformed into cascine.
A typical cascina features a square courtyard. Buildings line the perimeter. These include houses, stables, barns, and fountains. You might also find ovens, stores, mills, and dairies. Larger cascine even had churches or schools. Some were fortified with walls and towers.
Cascina Mischia embodies this spirit. It demonstrates a commitment to sustainability and fresh produce. It offers a taste of the region’s agricultural heritage. It is a place where tradition and innovation meet.