Bolotas: Herdade Freixo do Meio
Montemor-o-Novo, Portugal
2019

Our visit to Herdade Freixo do Meio not only taught us about syntropic farming and contemporary organic agricultural practice, but also about the importance of valuing each produce and unusual vegetable the earth yields. We learnt about the many plants and animals that coexist at the Herdade, in particular about the importance of bolotas, or acorns, which were traditionally used to feed pigs and arguably underestimated for many years.

Acorns are a prebiotic, gluten-free dried fruit, rich in fibre and protein, containing oleic acid (omega 9), a monounsaturated fat also present in olive oil and avocados. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and provides the body with complex low glycemic carbohydrates. Therefore it can be recommended for diabetics and athletes. The high nutritive qualities can be passed on in various forms, such as bread made of acorn flower, or acorn coffee.

The passion we experienced at Herdade Freixo do Meio remained, also after leaving the grounds behind. Among the strong, green plants, swaying gently in the wind, an air of possibility and a strong positive outlook could be felt.

Name: Bolotas
Location: Herdade Freixo do Meio, Portugal
Type: Essay
 
Posted: May 2020
Categories: alentejo, earth, plants, portugal, regenerative agriculture

Related Stories