It started almost as a bet and now the Couve Manteiga (butter collard) grown by producer Gabriele Evangelisti is popular all over Emilia Romagna. The vegetable comes originally from Brazil and results are great.
"In addition to wholesale markets in Cesena, many stores have also required it and it can also be found in a Conad supermarket. In addition, feedback is great also from the kiosks and bars along the Riviera, where it is used for cocktails."
The vegetable has a high nutritional content and it can be used in multiple ways - fresh or cooked, in salads dressed with lemon juice or in first courses, in risottos and also with meat."
"In summer it is also ideal for milkshakes, extracts, smoothies. Many barmen are coming up with plenty of ideas. Among them, Franca Venturini from Com@bar in Cesena and Alessandro Godoli from the Grand Hotel in Cesenatico".
Left, Franca Venturini with Evangelisti. Right, Alessandro Godoli
"The nutritional properties of butter collard are undeniable and supported by university studies. Juices are very popular, just as drinks and soft drinks."
Evangelisti registered the "Covì salute in foglie" brand and highlights its properties as a superfood. "It is very flexible and I was even contacted by a well-known restaurant brand for an exclusive supply."
From an agronomic point of view, of course it is affected by parasites. "For example, I deal with cabbage butterfly larvae with an organic method, i.e. using Bacillus Thuringensis. Butter collard is particularly suitable eaten uncooked, but I also grow another variety most suitable for cooking."
Butter collard has unique nutritional properties - it is rich in vitamin E and antioxidants so it acts against free radicals.
Contacts:
Gabriele Evangelisti
Via Garampa 1095
47522 Cesena (FC)
Tel.: +39 346 3245132
Email: gabrieleeva@tiscali.it