Dario Cecchini Fiore di Finocchio

Fiore di Finocchio from Dario Cecchini

Fiore di Finocchio fennel spice: a wild spice with a soft taste

Fennel is an ancient, originally Mediterranean cultivated plant that has occasionally gone wild in Central Europe - for example you find it very often in Tuscany. The fennel tubers and fennel seeds are processed and can be eaten. Much rare is the processing of wild fennel flowers and pollen into a spice. The production of this spice is rather complex and expensive, as the flowers can only be "harvested" in small quantities. Dario Cecchini has created the Fiore di Finocchio, which is very aromatic and at the same time slightly sweet. It gives pork, lamb, chicken and fish dishes an intense Mediterranean aroma. By the way did you know that fennel is also said to have a healing effect? As a remedy for cough, as a calming agent for stomach and intestines and in China even as a remedy for snake bites… In any case, the fennel blossoms simply taste heavenly - perhaps that is why they are called the "spice of angels".

The Antica Macelleria Cecchini - an Eldorado for meat lovers in Panzano in Chianti

In addition to Fiore di Finocchio, Dario Cecchini’s Antica Macelleria Cecchini also has many other non-fleshy products in its range. A highlight is Dario’s mustard, which goes well with almost any meat - with grilled meats, burgers and ham, but also with cheese! The same is valid for the Mediterranean sauce, Mostarda Mediterranea - made from a mixture of sweet and hot peppers. It goes well with meat and cheese - the most courageous one should try it with chocolate as well. Behind the poetic name Il Profumo del Chianti lies nothing less than an aromatic herbal salt, which Dario uses in his restaurant with olive oil for dipping raw vegetables, but which can also be recommended for seasoning of dishes and salads. Under the Dario Cecchini label there is also an excellent Olio di Oliva extra vergine and the extra hot pepperoni in oil called Bruciaculo. But what Dario is famous for, of course, are his meaty creations, which can either be bought in the Macelleria or tasted at place. The Macelleria also has a Cucina (a kitchen) in which Bistecca alla Fiorentina, Dario Docs and Solociccia dishes (meat only) are prepared. If you are in or around Panzano in Chianti, you should visit the most famous butcher in Europe!