Raselli Erboristeria Biologica: Nurtured with Care
Val Poschiavo and Raselli are often mentioned in the same breath. While Val Poschiavo, the southernmost Alpine valley in the Swiss canton of Graubünden, stands for magnificent nature and organic produce, the name Raselli reminds everyone of herbs – and the two together are part of a remarkable success story.
Fabrizio Raselli and his uncle Reto Raselli both grew up with herbs, but in their own way. Reto, the visionary founder of the herb and agricultural company Raselli Erboristeria Biologica, preserved the traditional herbal knowledge of Val Poschiavo and gave it a new purpose. One generation later, Fabrizio – now leading the farming branch of the business – learnt just how much patience and perseverance it takes to grow high-quality, organic herbs in his uncle’s fields.
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Majestic Alpine surroundings
The Rasellis’ herbal paradise is located in Le Prese, at the heart of Val Poschiavo. To the north, the majestic four-thousand-metre peaks of the Bernina massif rise, while to the south, palm trees thrive. The Poschiavo Valley is part of the canton of Graubünden, also known as the Grisons. Located in the southeastern part of Switzerland, it is the largest and the most sparsely populated of the Swiss cantons. If you’re looking for pristine nature, breathtaking scenery, snow-capped peaks and crystal-clear lakes, this is the place to visit. In the Poschiavo Valley, Italian is spoken. From Raselli’s herb fields to the Italian border, it’s a quick half-hour journey by train.
From farmers to entrepreneurs
The Rasellis’ flat fields stretch out from the banks of an emerald-blue mountain lake, Lago di Poschiavo. Here, at about 1,000 metres above sea level, the herbs not only are nurtured by the southern sun but also benefit from the nearby lake, which keeps the soil moist. While these natural conditions favour the Rasellis’ herb cultivation, it is the family’s innovative spirit that has driven its steady growth. Having been in the Poschiavo Valley for generations, the Raselli family has grown from farmers into entrepreneurs without losing their local roots. With its hotel, range of herbal products and agritourism activities, the Raselli family has helped establish Le Prese as an interesting travel destination.
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A life dedicated to herbs
Today, 13 different herbs are cultivated in the Rasellis’ herb fields, in addition to spices and edible flowers. In total, Raselli Erboristeria Biologica grows around 30 plant species. “When my uncle began growing herbs in 1981, he harvested just 450 kilograms; today, we harvest over 40 tonnes a year,” says Fabrizio Raselli. His uncle Reto was a true pioneer in herb cultivation, earning recognition far beyond Val Poschiavo. Reto Raselli received numerous awards for his work and served as president of the Association of Swiss Mountain Herb Producers for almost 40 years.
Long-term partnership with Ricola
Today, the Rasellis cultivate mallow, sage and lady’s mantle for Ricola. “Ricola has been our business partner for over 40 years. Without them, our company probably wouldn’t have developed so successfully in its early years,’ recalls Reto. In addition, Fabrizio adds: “It’s a perfect match – our organic herb cultivation and Val Poschiavo, with its positioning as Smart Valley Bio.” Being organic farmers, the Rasellis think in cycles: the organic fertiliser for the herb fields comes from their stables, where cattle, pigs, goats, chickens and ducks are raised. Soon, Fabrizio will also be operating a new solar-powered, herb-drying facility: “We want to produce herbs as energy- and labour-efficient as possible.”
A place of learning and sharing
As the Rasellis walk through their fields, checking the growth and quality of their herbs, they are also confronted with challenges. “The weather in our valley is becoming increasingly unpredictable, and pests are causing problems. These are challenges we take very seriously”, explains Fabrizio. While busy tending to the animals and the herbs, the Rasellis have always looked beyond their daily farming routine. For them, the fields are not just a workplace – they’re a place of learning and sharing. “That’s why we open our doors to visitors with guided tours,” Fabrizio explains. “We want to keep the traditional herbal knowledge alive and inspire people to connect with nature. There’s no better place to feel that connection than here, in our beautiful valley.”
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