WHOLESALE ITALIAN PUNTARELLA

Heritage

Puntarella, formally known as cicoria catalogna or “asparagus chicory”, holds a special place in Roman cuisine. The vegetable has been cultivated in the countryside around Rome for centuries, becoming such a point of pride that it’s also called Roman wild chicory. The name “puntarelle” means “little points” in Italian, referring to the distinctive pointed shoots hidden within the plant’s spiky outer leaves.

There are two main varieties you might encounter: Puntarelle di Gaeta from Lazio with longer, tapered shoots that curl when cut and soaked, and Puntarelle di Galatina from Puglia with shorter, more compact shoots that stay straight. Both deliver that signature crisp texture and pleasantly bitter flavour that makes wholesale Italian puntarella so prized amongst professional chefs.

Romans take their puntarella seriously, with a very short growing season making it all the more special when it arrives. At Rushtons, we work closely with Italian suppliers to bring you this seasonal treasure from late autumn through early spring, ensuring our wholesale puntarella meets the exacting standards of London’s finest kitchens.

Nutritional Profile

Your health-conscious diners will appreciate puntarella’s impressive nutritional credentials:

• High in iron for energy production
• Rich in vitamin A for immune support
• Packed with vitamin C for antioxidant protection
• Naturally low in calories
• Good source of dietary fibre
• Contains beneficial bitter compounds that aid digestion

Like all chicories, wholesale puntarella offers those distinctive bitter compounds that Italian cuisine celebrates for their digestive benefits. Perfect for balancing rich winter menus. The Slow Food Foundation recognises puntarella as part of Italy’s important culinary biodiversity.

Chef’s Corner

The texture is unique: think white asparagus meets celery root with the spiciness of arugula and hints of fennel. The inner shoots are what you’re after – they’re hollow, crisp, and have that lovely bitter-green flavour that works brilliantly both raw and cooked. When sourcing wholesale Italian puntarella, quality matters – the shoots should be firm and pale with vibrant green tips.

Here’s how we’ve seen London chefs making the most of puntarella:

The Classic Roman Way: Cut the shoots into thin julienne strips, soak in ice water until they curl, then dress with anchovy vinaigrette – the traditional puntarelle alla romana that appears on every Roman trattoria menu in winter.

Modern Applications:

• Shaved raw into winter salads for textural interest
• Sautéed in equal parts olive oil and butter with garlic and a splash of balsamic
• Added to clear broths and white bean soups for a bitter counterpoint
• Grilled quickly and served alongside winter roasts
• Blanched whole shoots and served as a vegetable side
• Tossed through pasta with guanciale and pecorino for a Roman-inspired special

Preparation Tips: Romans use a special wire cutter called a “taglia puntarella” to create perfect julienne strips, though a sharp knife or mandoline works just as well. Always soak cut puntarella in ice water – it prevents discolouration, adds crunch, and creates those characteristic curls. Understanding proper preparation helps you maximise the value of your wholesale puntarella order.

Don’t bin those outer leaves! They taste like dandelion greens and are brilliant sautéed with olive oil and garlic – perfect for staff meals or as a robust side dish, ensuring zero waste from your wholesale Italian puntarella purchase.

Complementary Ingredients

Building a puntarella-focused dish? These pairings from our wholesale range work beautifully:

• Quality anchovies – essential for the classic Roman dressing
• Good olive oil and red wine vinegar – let the vegetable shine
• Feta, olives, and cream-based dressings to mellow the bitterness
• Forest mushrooms and Gorgonzola for rich, earthy combinations
• Guanciale or pancetta for authentic Roman pasta dishes
• Pecorino Romano – another Roman classic that pairs perfectly
• Lemon, garlic, and chilli – the Roman flavour trinity

When you order wholesale puntarella from Rushtons, we can coordinate your entire Italian ingredient order for seamless delivery. Gambero Rosso, Italy’s leading food authority, celebrates puntarella as one of Rome’s essential winter vegetables.

Wholesale Italian Puntarella from Rushtons

As interest in this and other distinctive Italian vegetables grows, availability is improving, and we’re proud to be at the forefront of bringing authentic wholesale Italian puntarella to London’s professional kitchens.

What makes ordering wholesale puntarella from Rushtons worth your while?

• Direct sourcing from trusted Italian growers
• Peak season availability from October through early spring
• Consistent quality despite limited seasonal availability
• Expert advice on preparation and menu applications
• Coordinated ordering with complementary Italian ingredients
• Six-day-a-week delivery across London

The increasing global popularity of Roman cuisine means more diners are actively seeking out authentic ingredients like puntarella. Give your menu that genuine Roman edge this winter with our wholesale Italian puntarella.

Browse our fresh produce wholesale collection to explore our full range of Italian specialities and seasonal vegetables.

Ring us to check current wholesale puntarella availability and pricing. As a seasonal speciality with limited supply, advance ordering is recommended. We deliver throughout London six days a week, bringing you the authentic flavours of Rome.