Saffron of Navelli – Specialties

30 Kilometres from the city L’Aquila lies the elevated plain of Navelli which is renowned internationally for its cultivation of world class saffron. The harvest of the precious Crocus sativus, the Saffron flower takes place in October.

Those who have witnessed the Saffron harvest don’t question the high price of the spice which is dealt internationally as the most expensive spice in the world. Flower for flower is picked in painstaking (and may I add, backbreaking) manual labour and the red Saffron filaments … Continue Reading

The Taste of Abruzzo – Quality Wines

The charm of Abruzzo lies very much on the geographical variety the region offers and not to mention, the fact that it is still basically “untouched”. A place where Italy is still… well, I will go as far as saying, “still Italy”. … Continue Reading

Abruzzo Grape Varieties

Approximately 90% of the grape-vines grown in Abruzzo consists of two main vines which are an important part of the local heritage: the Montepulciano and the Trebbiano. In addition to these are a variety of other well-know Italian and international vines such as Sangiovese, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Sauvignon. … Continue Reading

Black Truffles – Specialties

The Truffle is by far the most luxurious and expensive edible mushroom in the world: a Kilogram of white truffle, the more exclusive variety, can run up to € 9.000,- with the black truffle costing somewhat less. White truffles are available between October and December and the black variety between December and March. Still today, pigs are at times used to sniff out the hidden aromatic treasure but mainly specially trained dogs are used. Truffles are best enjoyed as fresh as possible since they tend to lose much of their aroma within the first days.

In order to optimally unfold the intense aroma of the truffle a catalyst such as butter or oil are needed. The simplest way to prepare truffles is at the same time the most popular: fresh ribbon noodles in butter or oil upon which the truffles are grated in thin slices. Be aware of truffle oil! This oil is most often added with artificial truffle aroma and what seem to be pieces of truffle at the bottom of the bottle usually aren’t truffles at all. … Continue Reading

Olive Oil – Regional Information

Those who engage themselves thoroughly in the world of olive oil will notice its not at all different from the world of wine: there is an extremely broad range to explore until one has tasted his way to his favourite product(s) and the palate is seasoned enough for the fine nuances hidden in each. Abruzzo offers Extra Virgin Olive Oil with the highest quality standards in great taste. … Continue Reading