For centuries the well watered grasses and pastures of Valle D'Aosta have provided the inhabitants with local herbs used both for cooking as well as to improve general health.

The first documented evidence of the importance of herbs for medicinal purposes dates back to the 5th Century BC.

In the first century AD, Pliny recorded how herbs were used to add aroma to food dishes as well as liqueurs.

The climate in most of the Valley is semi-continental, which means intense winter cold and high summer temperatures leading to the cultivation of certain types of herb.

The Centro Agricolo of Saint Michel is one center where the ancient culture surrounding these natural products has been combined with the most modern of techniques and applications.