Product: Tomatoes, eggplants, zucchini, and peppers, hand-cut and naturally sun-dried. A mixed vegetable appetiser, just like those made by Nonna. Infused with the fresh scent of Mediterranean mint and the savoury flavours of capers and pitted Leccine olives. In this Salento-style appetiser, I Contadini have gathered tomatoes, eggplants, zucchini, and peppers, all grown in their fields in Apulia.
It's a blend of flavours that captures the essence of summer. The sun is what gives these vegetables their unique taste, carefully dried on open-air frames for 3-4 days. This artisanal process is done entirely by hand, in harmony with nature's rhythm. Rustic and full of flavour, the vegetables are perfect for pairing with main dishes or as a topping to focaccia, pinsa (Italian flatbread), or sandwiches.
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.
