Durum Wheat Frese (Friselle) 450 g (8 pcs)

Frese di Grano: the twice-baked bread of Southern Italian tradition

LAPA Frese di Grano are twice-baked durum wheat bread, in a 450 g bag with 8 friselle ready to soak and dress. They provide 412 kcal and 15.73 g of protein per 100 g, are stored at room temperature and need only a few seconds in fresh water to soften again. They are the perfect base of Mediterranean summer cooking: cialledda, acquasale and daily starters dressed with tomato, extra virgin olive oil and oregano.

What a frisella is

The frisella (also called frisa, fresella or friseddhra) is a baked durum wheat bread, cut horizontally in half and toasted a second time in the oven. This double baking removes almost all moisture, giving it a very long shelf life and its famous porous crust. It comes ring-shaped or in slices, with one compact side and one alveolate side that quickly absorbs water.

A history that crosses the Mediterranean

The frisella is one of the oldest breads of the Mediterranean basin. It was the travel bread of sailors, who kept it on board precisely because it was dried and softened it with a little water. In Puglia it is also known as the bread of the Crusaders, as it was easy to carry and to rehydrate during long journeys. Today the wheat and barley friselle are officially listed among the Traditional Agri-Food Products (PAT) of the Puglia Region.

Origin and tradition

The frisella belongs to the gastronomic culture of Southern Italy, in particular Puglia, Calabria, Campania and Basilicata. In the past the wheat-only version was reserved for wealthier tables and feast days, while everyday bread was made with barley or barley-wheat blends. Durum wheat frese therefore represent the finest version of this rural tradition.

Product characteristics

Made with wheat flour, natural and brewer's yeast, water and salt, this frisella has a friable yet sturdy structure: when soaked correctly it turns soft without falling apart. The 450 g bag contains 8 pieces of about 56 g each, a practical format for portion service in pizzerias, delicatessens and restaurants.

How to prepare the perfect frisella

Soak each frisella 5-10 seconds under fresh water (or dip it briefly), then let it rest 2 minutes on a plate: it should be soft on the outside and still slightly crunchy in the centre. At this point rub the surface with half a ripe tomato, dress with extra virgin olive oil, salt, oregano and, to taste, olives and basil. Serve immediately to keep the contrast between soft and crunchy.

Uses in professional kitchens

The frisella is extremely versatile for the summer menu. Here are five professional kitchen uses: cialledda barese with tomato, onion, cucumber, oil and salt; acquasale in the rural summer version with tomato and oregano; gourmet frisella with confit datterini, burrata and basil; seafood starter with drained tuna, red onion and olives; board and buffet as a crunchy base alternative to fresh bread. Double baking lets you prepare it in advance and soak it only at the moment of service.

Recommended pairings

Durum wheat frese are at their best with sweet peeled cherry tomatoes, 100% Italian extra virgin olive oil, dried oregano and Taggiasca olives. For a Mediterranean board they also pair with mozzarella, tuna and anchovies. At LAPA you will find all the complementary ingredients to build a complete plate of friselle.

Distribution and logistics

B2B and B2C delivery throughout Switzerland from the LAPA warehouse in Embrach (Zurich). As a dry, long-shelf-life product no cold chain is required: direct distribution across Zurich, Winterthur, Schaffhausen, St. Gallen, Frauenfeld, Aargau, Bern and Basel, and for Ticino (Lugano, Mendrisio, Chiasso), French-speaking Switzerland (Geneva, Lausanne, Fribourg), Valais (Sion, Martigny) and Graubunden (Chur, Davos) shipping within 24-48 hours via partner couriers (Swiss Post, Planzer, Galliker, Camion Transport). An ideal format as warehouse stock for professional customers.

Who it is for

Designed for restaurants, pizzerias, delicatessens, hotels, bars, catering and Italian grocery stores, as well as private customers passionate about Italian cuisine looking for the real Apulian frisella. Distribution: Ferraiuolo Foods.