Product: The tenderest sprouts of Catalogna chicory, crispy and fresh as if freshly picked, because they're preserved raw. Using the tenderest shoots of Catalogna chicory, a native variety of Salento, specifically from the Galatina area in the province of Lecce.
The entire process is done by hand, from removing the outer leaves to cutting the sprouts, which are left to mature for a few days in a delicate sweet and sour marinade. After this step, the sprouts (or "scattuni") are jarred in oil, without the addition of artificial flavors, spices, or preservatives, preserving their natural flavour, vitamins and fibre. Try them in sandwiches and on pinsa (Italian flatbread), in a salad or as a side dish for tartare.
Producer: I Contadini
Region: Lecce, Puglia
Size: 230g
Producer Info: The "I Contadini" farm is a third generation family business based in the Puglia region of Italy. Puglia is known for its excellent growing climate for all sorts of grains, olive trees and vegetables. I Contadini utilises this optimal climate to grow wonderfully flavorful vegetables for their preserves and spreads, made with their grandparents' recipes. Simply translated, 'I Contadini' is Italian for 'the farmers' or 'the peasants.' The farmers' lives exist within 30 hectares of land where they grow a variety of vegetables on the open field, including peppers, eggplant, artichokes, olives, and tomatoes. The company operates all aspects of the business: growing the produce, naturally drying vegetables in the hot Italian sun, and preparing the jars for retail. The drying of the vegetables in the sun is an ancient practice and now almost totally abandoned. This is a shame as the delicate practice delivers a totally unique result in the produce: perfect aromas, aesthetic appearance, and texture coupled with the conservation of essential vitamins, proteins, and minerals.
