Overview
Italian cuisine is often characterized by its simplicity, with chefs relying on the quality of the ingredients rather than on elaborate preparations. The Del Re Collection is born of this ethos, offering select quality products that stand beautifully on their own or elevate the quality of dishes of many cuisines.
The diverse topography and climates in Italy influence the foods that are produced in each region. Del Re products are cultivated and produced with this knowledge and with the utmost respect of time-honored traditions.
Calabrian Peppers
Peperoncini are Calabrian hot chili peppers (also known as “Diavoletti” or “Little Devils”). Their flavor is considered more important than their heat; they are considered a medium spicy chili pepper with their Scoville Heat Units ranging 15,000-50,000. The chili is small but oozes flavor, with a combination and variety of tastes that is simply incomparable. A unique spicy fruity taste predominates, with undertones of smoky saltiness. These delicious peppers are a very versatile ingredient, adding colour and dimension to any dish.
There is so much passion for peperoncini that Diamante, Calabria holds an annual Peperoncino “Chili” Festival for an entire week in early September! The Festival features entertainment, conferences and culinary specialties, and attracts visitors from all over the world.
Vegetables
The Del Re Collection of vegetables features those that are highlights of Italian agriculture, indigenous to their respective regions throughout the county. They are delicious enough to be enjoyed on their own or infuse robust, delightful flavor into dishes of many different cuisines. Each variety is harvested at the peak of its natural ripeness, then seasoned according to traditions of the region.
Meats
While there are dozens of Italian salumi, The Del Re Collection showcases some of the most popular and versatile prosciutto (“ham”). Whether crudo (“cured”) or cotto (“cooked”), each is prepared in accordance with Italian traditions that have withstood the tests of time. They are delicacies with distinct saltiness, spiciness, and aromatics, making them perfect as antipasti or to add flavorful dimension to many recipes.
Oils & Condiments
Extra Virgin Olive Oil is an unrefined oil and the highest quality olive oil you can buy. There are very specific standards oil must meet to receive the label "Extra Virgin”. Because of the way extra virgin olive oil is made (exclusively cold-press extracted, not subjected to any heat and no chemical processing), it retains more true olive taste and has a lower level of oleic acid than other olive oil varieties. It also contains more of the natural vitamins and minerals found in olives. All Del Re olive oils are Extra Virgin – including those which have been infused with flavors in the Italian tradition.
Olives
For Italians, as for most Mediterranean people, the olive tree has been seen throughout history as almost holy – a symbol of peace, victory, and the endurance of life itself – evoking feelings of harmony, vitality and health. The olive is undoubtedly one of the most celebrated fruits of all time. Its taste, virtues, and mystique have been praised in religious text, extolled by philosophers, poets and writers down through the centuries. Del Re olives are cultivated and cured in the time-honored traditions of Calabria.
Herbs
The herbs in the Del Re Collection reflect Calabria’s unique terroir and the Calabrian focus on high quality ingredients. In combination, the results are richly fragrant and flavorful herbs which add depth to a multitude of dishes.
