With the arrival of October, the Oltrepò Pavese wakes up to one of its most evocative seasons, when autumn colours the woods warm and golden, and the enveloping scents of the earth become more intense. It is in this period that a fundamental chapter of the rural tradition of this fascinating land opens: the chestnut harvest. A ritual that is not just agricultural work, but a complete sensory experience, capable of combining the pleasure of discovery with the joy of tasting.
The Oltrepò Pavese, with its lush hills and ancient forests, offers the perfect setting for those who wish to immerse themselves in the magic of chestnut picking. This activity, deeply rooted in local traditions, attracts every year not only the inhabitants of the area, but also tourists and lovers of nature and cuisine who come to enjoy an authentic experience.
The chestnuts, enclosed in their spiny shells, wait patiently under the centuries-old trees, ready to be picked. The harvesting ritual is simple but exciting: all you need is a basket, a pair of sturdy gloves and a pinch of patience. As you bend down to pick the chestnuts, you can hear the rustle of the wind in the trees and the birdsong accompanying this peaceful adventure. It is an activity that takes you back to the roots, to the slowness of life in the past, when the rhythm of the seasons marked the days and contact with the earth was part of everyday life.
The chestnut harvest is not only a natural experience, but the prelude to a feast of flavours that will be celebrated at the table. In fact, these fruits are the protagonists of many typical recipes from the Oltrepò Pavese area, where peasant traditions merge with the ancient gastronomic customs of the region.
One of the simplest and most delicious ways to enjoy chestnuts is to roast them: the classic ‘caldarroste’. Nothing more than a live fire, a paper bag to keep them warm and your hands ready to peel them while enveloped in the aromatic smoke that makes them so irresistible. Every bite tastes like autumn, with their floury, sweet texture warming the heart on cooler days.
October is therefore the ideal month to discover (or rediscover) the Oltrepò Pavese in all its autumnal beauty. The chestnut harvest is only one of the many experiences this territory has to offer, but it is undoubtedly one of the most authentic and connected to the land.
Whether it is a walk among the chestnut groves, a day of gathering with the family, or an evening in front of the fireplace enjoying a steaming bowl of roasted chestnuts, autumn in the Oltrepò Pavese is an invitation to slow down, to immerse oneself in the rhythms of nature, and to let oneself be conquered by the flavours of a tradition that is renewed every year.
The arrival of October thus marks the beginning of a magical season, in which the simplicity of rural life meets the pleasure of good food, creating an experience that smells of woods, fire and warmth. An experience that is just waiting to be lived, to discover that sometimes the secret of happiness is hidden in the simplest gestures, like picking a chestnut among the autumn leaves.
