Frozen Wild Field Chicory Spirito Contadino 1.25 kg (case of 4)

Frozen wild field chicory: the authentic taste of Italian tradition

The frozen wild field chicory Spirito Contadino is a leafy vegetable with a bold character and an unmistakable bitter taste, harvested in the fields of Southern Italy and frozen right after trimming to preserve its freshness, colour and nutritional properties intact. Packaged in convenient 1.25 kg bags and distributed in a case of 4 units (5 kg in total), it is the ideal solution for restaurants, delicatessens, canteens and hotels that want to offer a typical Mediterranean side dish all year round, without depending on the seasonality of the fresh product.

What is wild field chicory

Wild chicory (Cichorium intybus) is a spontaneous plant that grows in meadows and uncultivated land and has always been a staple of the peasant cuisine of central and southern Italy. Its long, jagged green leaves have a more intense bitter flavour than cultivated chicory, balanced by a pleasant herbaceous note. A humble yet noble ingredient, a symbol of an authentic cuisine deeply rooted in the land.

• Origin: Italy, harvested in the fields of the South
• Flavour: bold, bitter, with herbaceous notes
• Brand: Spirito Contadino — artisanal countryside quality
• Format: 1.25 kg bag, case of 4 units (5 kg)

Why choose frozen

Freezing takes place just a few hours after harvest: this "stops the clock" and locks in all the nutritional values of the freshly picked vegetable. Unlike the fresh product, frozen chicory is already trimmed, washed and ready to use, completely eliminating processing waste, tough parts and cleaning time in the kitchen. For a professional kitchen this means consistent portions, guaranteed yield and continuous availability twelve months a year, even out of season.

• Ready to use: no cleaning, no waste
• Consistent yield and precise portioning
• Available all year round, regardless of season
• Nutritional values and colour preserved by quick freezing

How to cook it: pan-tossed chicory

The classic preparation is chicory pan-tossed with garlic and chilli. Without thawing, blanch the chicory for a few minutes in lightly salted boiling water, drain well and toss in a pan with extra virgin olive oil, one or two unpeeled garlic cloves and a touch of chilli. A few minutes over high heat and the side dish is ready: bitter, fragrant and with a perfect texture. It is the ideal accompaniment to grilled meats, sausages, roasts and fish dishes.

Wild chicory also lends itself to many other traditional preparations: fillings for savoury pies and pastries, omelettes, velvety soups, a topping for orecchiette and fresh pasta, or as the base for the famous Apulian dish fave e cicoria. Its bitter note creates a refined contrast with legume purées, aged cheeses and cured meats.

Recommended pairings

• Fave e cicoria: the classic Apulian pairing with broad bean purée
• Grilled meats and sausages: a bitter side that cuts through richness
• Orecchiette and fresh pasta: pan-tossed as a topping
• Savoury pies and omelettes: a flavourful, rustic filling
• Cheeses and cured meats: starters with a bold contrast

Storage and cold chain

The product must be stored at -18 °C in the professional freezer until use. Maintaining the cold chain from delivery to storage is essential: LAPA transport is carried out with refrigerated, temperature-controlled vehicles. Once thawed, the product must not be refrozen. We recommend taking only the required quantity, carefully resealing the bag and returning it immediately to the cold room.

Food service delivery throughout Switzerland

LAPA guarantees refrigerated, temperature-controlled deliveries throughout Switzerland. We supply restaurants, hotels, delicatessens and canteens in the areas of Zurich, Geneva, Lugano and Basel and their regions, ensuring full compliance with the cold chain for frozen products, from our warehouse to your kitchen. Order online on the B2B portal and receive your wild chicory always freshly frozen.