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BEST FOOD SHOPPING IN TUSCANY: ORGANIC FARMS AND MARKETS

Organic tastes better, organic is the right choice for the planet, organic is healthier for your kids and yourself. Whatever science and consumer reports say about the above, one thing is sure: green shopping is more fun and a feast for the eye! At least in the Tuscan countryside, when buying your pesticide free fruit and vegetables right at the organic farm. 
Client at the La Parrina 'shopping mall'
Organic shopping in Tuscany: even the customers look better
Find below a list and map with Tuscany's most picturesque pit stops for organic food shopping, from the region's southernmost corner all the way up to Florence. 

 TERRA ETRUSCO, Capalbio Scalo
Near Capalbio's train station, close to WWF's Lago di Burano nature reserve and the Tuscan sea, Terra Etrusco is an organic farm with a 21st century approach. Restaurant, grocery store and the rooms of the farm-stay are a stylish and welcome break from the usual fake Tuscan decor. 

 LA PARRINA, Albinia near Orbetello
One of the most inspiring places when it comes to organic farming in Tuscany is Antica Tenuta La Parrina. The estate is out of the picture book, and its shop a true Tuscan delicatessen. La Parrina also produces organic white and red wine and offers a wide selection of the farms dairy products, Tuscan cold cuts and fruit and vegetable. For total green immersion rent a room on the estate. 

 The main building and garden of the La Parrina estate


AGRICOLA ALBERESE, in the Maremma Natural park 
If you're farming around one of Italy's most famous regional parks, you can't but go organic. Agricola Alberese is one of the biggest farms in Tuscany and has a lovely shop in Alberese's town center. Stop here after the building of your eco beach hut or to stock up on sandwiches for a hike through the stunning scenery of the Maremma nature park.

 And as you're in town buy some fresh produce at the fruit and vegetable shop on the main square. Most of it is locally produced, even though often not organic (yet!). Laura, the lady who runs it is absolutely lovely, and her Frutta e Verdura store is attached to the village's coffee bar. 

Fruit and vegetable shop and coffee bar Magi in the Maremma Nature Park
Fresh fruit and vegetable shopping with cappuccino or aperitivo in hand


SAN FRANCESCO BIO BARBARUTA, near Grosseto
Less stylish than the ones mentioned above, but nevertheless the real thing. The perfect place to stock up on salsa biologica, (organic tomato sauce), dried pulses and pickled vegetables to bring back home. Ideal if you're holidaying in or around lovely Castiglione della Pescaia on the Tuscan shore.

 TENUTA DI PAGANICO, next to Civitella-Paganico's train station
Another beautiful organic store in true Tuscan style can be found in Paganico, a tourist free village you'll pass when driving from Montalcino to the coast (and a secret tip for some great ice cream). Open daily, but closed during lunch hour (see link to estate website above). 

VAL d'ORCIA 
The famous Unesco world heritage site has an ever growing number of organic wineries and organic farmers. 
  • FRANCI BIO in Montalcino specializes in natural wine, but also offers a great selection of Tuscan and Italian organic food. All strictly from agricoltura biologica (organic agriculture). 
  • PODERE IL CASALE near Pienza produces the best Pecorino sheep cheese of the Val d'Orcia and is a lovely place to visit if you travel and shop with kids (think animals). 
  • Also check out the organic farmer markets which are regularly hold in the towns of the Val d'Orcia.

SIENA
Check my shopping in Siena post for organic grocery stores in Palio town. 

 POGGIO DI CAMPORBIANO, between San Gimignano and Volterra
I haven't been here yet, but the organic produce list sounds promising. The farm shop is open daily apart of Sundays. 

FONTEMORSI, Montescudaio
Not a food store, but an organic Tuscan winery, which sells great natural wines in the lovely tasting facilities and also a few organic food items from befriended producers nearby.


 Not just food - vino sfuso at Tenuta la Parrina

FLORENCE
A little dated but still useful is the Florentine's article on organic supermarkets and health food stores in Florence.  

 FARMER MARKETS
Most bigger towns have an organic and/or km0 food market once a week or once a month (ask for the dates at the tourist office). Small organic grocery stores also keep springing up through Tuscany's cities, and both Florence and Siena have a branch of NaturaSì, Italy's organic supermarket chain. 
Visualizza Organic food and wine shopping in Tuscany in una mappa di dimensioni maggiori
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Location: La Parrina, 58015 Quattro Strade GR, Italia

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