Product: These eggplants from I Contadini are grown in Salento and harvested between August and September. The entire process is done by hand, following time-honoured methods: each eggplant is carefully selected, washed, peeled, and sliced into thin strips. To remove the bitterness, they salt them and press them, "allu carcu," just like their grandmother did. Seasoned with fresh mint and capers, preserved in oil, with no artificial additives.
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.
