A study of the traditional gathered food plants in the upper valley of the
Serchio river (Garfagnana), Lucca Province, north-west Tuscany, central Ita
ly, was carried out. One hundred thirty-three species (including fungi), be
longing to 48 families, were encountered. The geographical isolation of the
valley and the survival of old gastronomic traditions have permitted a ric
h popular knowledge to be maintained. In particular, the tradition of prepa
ring in springtime a characteristic vegetal soup (minestrella) based on abo
ut forty wild vegetables in a very restricted area of the valley might be c
orrelated with influences of pre-Roman civilisations. An uncommon specific
food utilization of Bryonia dioica and Prunus laurocerasus as well as the c
onsumption in some districts of Fagus sylvatica seeds, Taxus baccata and Cr
ocus napolitanus fruits as snacks and the very common use of Clematis vital
ba shoots seem to demonstrate a well established tradition to use unpalatab
le vegetal sources. Ethnopharmacological aspects of the consumption of thes
e species are discussed.