Dairy Tenuta Vannulo

Most delicious organic buffalo mozzarella from happy water buffalos

: The main protagonists at Tenuta Vannulo: the mighty water buffalos.

Although inseparably connected with Italian cuisine, mozzarella has meanwhile become a popular ingredient for Mediterranean dishes even in northern regions. However, what we get to buy at supermarkets is mostly made from cows’ milk and cannot measure up to the products of dairy Tenuta Vannulo, which is known well beyond its home region: here, in the northern part of the Cilento, choice buffalo mozzarella, ricotta and yoghurt have been produced on an ecological basis since 1996.

The sensation of taste during the dégustation of freshly produced „Mozzarella di bufala“ is unique: an unbelievable richness in flavour delights your nose and palate – ranging from an intensive milky flavour to a slightly sour touch and nutty traces.

: "Casari" at work.

For its cheese and yoghurt, Tenuta Vannulo processes only its own buffalo milk. Mozzarella and fresh ricotta are produced every day – and, if there is enough milk, smoked provola, salted ricotta, cream cheese and natural yoghurt are produced, too. The use of machines is out of the question – these southern Italian delicacies are made by the experienced hands of the qualified „casari“ only.

The eye-catching mighty water buffalos play the main role at Tenuta Vannulo. Altogether four hundred, they pace leisurely across their pastures, bathe in the large basin or seek shelter in the shade of the large tin roofs, always ruminating. In short, these black colossi seem to be perfectly content. The animals’ feed is organically cultivated solely on the dairy’s ninety hectares.

: The feed for the four hundred buffalos is organically cultivated solely on the dairy’s land.

As one of the first in its field and as the only farm in Campania up to the present, the dairy has been certified by the A.I.A.B. – Associazione Italiana Agricoltura Biologica -, comparable to the German „Bioland“. Antonio Palmieri, the owner and manager of Tenuta Vannulo, has declared it his aim to keep the mozzarella from degenerating into a mass product and to set up quality standards. In 1988, he succeeded his grandfather as head of the buffalo farm which was founded at the beginning of the 20^th century. From that time on, he has been setting value on growth and modernization without losing sight of the gentle treatment of nature and the animals.

These delicious organic milk products are produced and sold solely at Tenuta Vannulo. When visiting Paestum, you should not miss out on an extensive visit to the farm. Guided tours of the farm are offered almost every day. Thus, you can explore the „empire of the buffalo“, visit the various production sites and watch the „casari“ at work. It is particularly fascinating to watch them deftly plucking (Italian: „mozzare“) fist-size lumps of cheese. Gourmets will appreciate the tasting of the freshly produced specialities afterwards.

Should we have now whetted your appetite for the specialities of Tenuta Vannulo, then you ought to stop by the buffalo farm and taste the organic products during your next holiday in the Cilento.

Tenuta Vannulo – Azienda Agricola Biologica Antonio Palmieri – Via G. Galilei (Contrada Vannulo) – 84040 Capaccio Scalo (SA) – Tel.: 0039 828 724765 and 0039 828 727894 – E-mail: tenutavannulo@libero.it