'Italy from Seed to Plate': A Talk with Paolo Arrigo

About this event

How much of a country’s history is preserved not in its monuments, but in its soil? This afternoon session explores the distinct microclimates, dialects, and culinary traditions that define Italy’s 20 regions. Led by leading gardening expert and renowned seedsman, Paolo Arrigo, the 45-minute talk takes the audience “around Italy in 20 vegetables,” focusing on local, ethical, and endangered heirloom varieties celebrated for their exceptional provenance and forgotten flavours. Alongside this regional journey, Paolo will share practical advice on exactly what to sow right now to secure a successful autumn and winter harvest. The session concludes with a Q&A. Paolo is a nine-time Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) medal winner, the Slow Food (UK) ‘Person of the Year 2019′, and the founder of Seeds of Italy. His company imports Franchi Seeds, the oldest family-run seed brand on the planet. Remaining in the same family for seven generations, Franchi was established in 1783 – the same year Mozart composed his first mass, the Montgolfier brothers launched their hot air balloon over Paris, and the HMS Bounty was still sitting in the dockyards. This session will be held within SET Social’s Community Garden. Event details Date: Sunday 26 JulyTime: 2:30-3.30pmLocation: SET Social Community Garden, 55a Nigel Road, Peckham, SE15 4NPAdmission: Free, no booking required. Just drop in.