Mentuccia Pavone: the aromatic herb of Roman cuisine
Dried mentuccia in a 150 g aroma-saving shaker, supplied in cases of 6 by Pavone (F.lli Garuti, Rome). Mentuccia (Mentha viridis) is the signature herb of Lazio cooking: dried leaves with a fresh, balsamic, lightly minty aroma, ready to use and dosed precisely through the red perforated cap. A pantry essential for restaurants, trattorias, delicatessens and catering kitchens that want the authentic taste of Roman cuisine all year round.
What mentuccia is
Mentuccia is a wild aromatic herb of the mint family, widespread across central Italy and especially tied to the culinary tradition of Rome and Lazio. Its flavour is more delicate and balsamic than common mint, with a fresh, slightly peppery finish that does not overpower. Drying concentrates the essential oils and makes the herb available all year, with consistent intensity from one batch to the next – a decisive advantage for professional menus.
The producer: Pavone Garuti
The Pavone brand belongs to F.lli Garuti S.r.l. of Rome, a family business founded in 1955 by Marino Garuti, who began by hand-packing spices and delivering them by bicycle to local merchants. Now in its third generation, the company selects and packs over 350 references in 400 formats, with aroma-saving packaging, an organic line and ISO 9001 certification obtained in 2021. More than 1,500 businesses rely on Pavone products.
Aroma and characteristics
Dried mentuccia leaves release a clean, fresh, balsamic scent with mint and a faintly peppery, herbaceous note. The 150 g format keeps the herb dry and protected, while the perforated shaker cap allows clean, even, controlled dosing directly over the dish – no spoons, no waste, full hygiene in the kitchen.
Professional uses
Mentuccia is the soul of Roman cooking. Use it for carciofi alla romana, where the herb is mixed with garlic to stuff the artichokes before braising. It is essential in Roman-style tripe (trippa alla romana) and in stuffed courgettes, broad beans and lamb. Beyond Lazio it enhances tomato sauces, soups, marinades for meat and fish, roast potatoes, stuffed vegetables, frittatas, herbal teas and cocktails. Add it at the end of cooking to preserve its volatile oils, or rehydrate briefly in warm stock for braised dishes.
Pairings
Mentuccia pairs naturally with extra virgin olive oil, garlic, pecorino, artichokes, courgettes, lamb and white fish. In the LAPA range it works alongside other Pavone dried herbs and spices, sea salt, dried oregano and aromatic mixes to build a complete professional seasoning station.
Delivery and logistics
B2B and B2C delivery throughout Switzerland from the LAPA warehouse in Embrach (Zurich). Direct distribution across Zurich, Winterthur, Schaffhausen, St. Gallen, Frauenfeld, Aargau, Bern and Basel. For Ticino (Lugano, Mendrisio, Chiasso), French-speaking Switzerland (Geneva, Lausanne, Fribourg), Valais (Sion, Martigny) and Graubünden (Chur, Davos), shipping in 24-48 hours via partner couriers (Swiss Post, Planzer, Galliker). As a dry ambient product, mentuccia needs no cold chain and is ideal for stocking up. Tailored for restaurants, pizzerias, hotels, delicatessens, gelato shops, pastry labs, Italian grocery stores and private customers.
Who it is for
Designed for professional kitchens that want a reliable, ready-to-use Roman aromatic herb with consistent quality and clean dosing: Italian restaurants and trattorias, catering operations, delicatessens, canteens and demanding home cooks. Order Mentuccia Pavone from LAPA and bring the authentic aroma of Lazio to your kitchen.
