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Friselline with Senatore Cappelli Wheat
An ancient and prized wheat, rediscovered in the 19th century, called the meat of the poor in Puglia. Twice-baked, crispy, no soaking. A piece of history to snack on.
Ancient wheat No soaking needed Short supply chain — Km 0
Not all flours are equal. Senatore Cappelli wheat is an ancient hard wheat cultivar: robust, aromatic, rich in nutrients. In Puglia and Salento last century they called it the meat of the poor — because it truly nourished, with everything it carries.
Using it in friselline means making a precise choice: more flavour, more substance, an aromatic profile that modern wheat does not have. Senatore Cappelli friselline are recognisable from the first bite. They are not soaked: snacked on, dressed, taken anywhere.
The story
The senator, the geneticist and the wheat that united them
At the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, an Abruzzese senator named Raffaele Cappelli had the intuition to support the work of Marche geneticist Nazareno Strampelli. Strampelli selected the cultivar we now call Senatore Cappelli from a hard wheat of Tunisian origin. He adapted it to the arid, clay soils of southern Italy — and it worked.
For decades Senatore Cappelli was the wheat of Puglian farming families: disease-resistant, excellent yield, highly nutritious. In Puglia and Salento they called it the meat of the poor. Then agricultural modernisation arrived and it was almost forgotten. Today it has returned, rediscovered by those seeking genuine quality.
The wheat
Why it is different from the others
Senatore Cappelli hard wheat has more protein, more fibre and a superior vitamin and mineral profile compared to modern wheat. It has not undergone the intensive hybridisations of recent decades: it is closer to the wheat our grandparents ate. Its gluten is structurally different — more digestible for many people, though not suitable for those with coeliac disease.
In the friselline this translates into a fuller, more complex flavour, with an authentic grain note that lingers. It is not something subtle: you notice it. And that is why it is worth choosing.
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Like all friselline they are not soaked before eating. Dress at the moment with extra virgin olive oil, cherry tomatoes, paté or preserves. Senatore Cappelli holds up well with bold toppings: it does not need much to express itself. |
How to enjoy them
Pairings that bring out the wheat
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With EVO oil and cherry tomatoes
The classic dressing that exalts the grain: diced fresh tomato, extra virgin olive oil, a pinch of salt. Senatore Cappelli does the rest.
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With Puglian paté
Olive paté, aubergine cream, artichokes. The robust flavour of the grain pairs perfectly with the patés of our tradition.
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With mozzarella and rocket
A fresh pairing that always works: mozzarella, rocket, a few capers, oil. The friselline acts as a crispy, flavourful base.
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As a bread substitute
At the table instead of bread with soups, pulses, aged cheeses. The ancient grain has enough character to accompany demanding dishes.
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Frequently asked questions
Everything you want to know
Should Senatore Cappelli friselline be soaked like large frise?
No. Like all friselline they are not soaked: eaten directly, no soaking. They are a dry snack to dress at the moment. If the topping contains liquid they may soften slightly on the surface, but the structure stays crispy.
What makes Senatore Cappelli wheat special?
Senatore Cappelli is an ancient, non-hybridised hard wheat cultivar, richer in protein, fibre and micronutrients than modern wheat. Its aromatic profile is more complex and its flavour fuller. It was the wheat of Puglian farming families: they called it the meat of the poor because it truly nourished.
Are they suitable for people with gluten intolerance?
No. Despite having structurally different gluten from modern wheat, Senatore Cappelli contains gluten and is not suitable for coeliacs or people with gluten intolerance. Please check the ingredient list for all allergen information.
How long do they keep?
Being completely biscuited and dry they keep for several months from production. Check the date on the packaging. Once opened keep in a sealed container.
Where can I find the Puglian paté to pair with them?
Find them directly in our shop: olive paté, aubergine cream, artichokes and other Puglian oil preserves. Browse the catalogue to find everything you need for a complete Puglian aperitivo.
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The wheat that fed Puglian farmers
Senatore Cappelli: an ancient, robust and nutritious cultivar. Twice-baked in our friselline. A flavour that tells the story of real Puglia.
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