Taglia Puntarelle force-cart Blade locks using the Opinel

Blade locks using the Opinel collar mechanism

at the expense of some of the metal's hardness

We’ve collected a number of the classic regional Tuscan beans over the years and this sampler represents some of our favorites

or pruning tomatoes and flowers

Tuscans are sometimes referred to as mangiafagioli (the bean eaters) on account of the importance that legumes play in the day to day cuisine of the region

Taglia Puntarelle force-cart Blade locks using the OpinelIf you are going to be serious about growing puntarelle chicory, you ought to have the proper tool to process it! This cutter (known as a 'tapu' for short) uses a grid of wires to slice the stems into the classic matchstick shape typical of where it is grown around Rome. The pieces are then soaked in ice water to take away some of the bitterness and give them their lovely curl. And, while we love a good single purpose kitchen tool as much as the next