Rose's Shop Watch-February '16: Mostarda

Mostarda

Marks and Spencer

What?
Mostarda di Pere

Why?
Brings a little warmth to February

Mostarda di frutta is an Italian relish, made from candied fruit in a sugar syrup laced with mustard seed oil. The sweetness of the candied fruit is tempered by the fiery and sometimes eye-watering heat of the mustard oil. It is found in northern Italy from Piedmonte through Lombardia to the Veneto and is traditionally served with the winter dish of “bollito misto” – mixed boiled meats.

However, in Italy, you can also find mostarda of individual fruits like apples, or cherries, or tangerines, or figs. This one, from the world foods section of Marks and Spencer, is made from pears. It is much milder than the traditional mixed fruit relish and just brings a gentle delicate heat to a plate of salumi (salami, Parma ham, bresaola, coppa), or, even better, served with an Italian cheese like Pecorino Romano or a good Parmesan. The pairing of cheese and pears is a perfect match.

It comes from an artisan company called Casa Forcello just outside Mantua and is made with small batches of locally grown pears, which are sliced and blended with the syrup and mustard oil without using preservatives or additives. The fruit is still slightly crunchy and the syrup quite dense with a lovely balance of sweet and “piccante”.

Conclusion:
The perfect accompaniment to Italian cheese.

Product Details:
Mostarda di Pere from Casa Forcello
120g
£4

Contact:
Marks and Spencer (World Foods Section)
Food to order inquiries: 0333 014 8222

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