Sea Fennel Paccasassi 200 g

SEA FENNEL: THE HISTORY OF CONERO PACCASASSI

Sea Fennel or Rock samphire is a spontaneous herb which borns and grows between the rocks in front of the sea.

In the area of the Conero Riviera this grass is called Paccasassi which literally means “breaking rocks” due to its ability to grow up through sea stones fissures. Paccasassi is a very traditional, typical food and pride of Conero area.

They have a very particular taste and they are great in combination with fresh bread, Mortadella Bologna, anchovies and smoked salmon. Futhermore, they give a special touch to salads and fish dishes. Sea Fennel are cultivated and then manufactured following an ancient recipe that consists of a long marinade with wine vinegar and a final maturation in extra virgin olive oil. This preserve is a very typical food in Conero area. Rock Samphire trade started from ancient years until to 1800 all around Europe. Its use dates back to ancient times, even being mentioned in Shakespeare’s “King Lear”. This aromatic grass is very rich of vitamin C and this is the reason why lots of sailors used to eat it to prevent scurvy.

Due to not controlled harvest, sea fennel started to disappear along the European coast. Still today in the area of the Conero Riviera sea fennel is considered a protected plant.