Spaccatelle - Sliced Tomatoes

Sliced Tomatoes from Masseria Mirogallo are a typical Lucan specialty. Fresh tomatoes are cut in half by hand and gutted of pulp, but the skins are left on. These tomatoes have enough texture to withstand a slow braise and maintain their sweetness and bright acidity long after cooking. Unlike many jarred tomatoes meant only for cooking, these Spaccatelle can also be used in much the same way as a fresh tomato. Think of it as having a fresh tomato trapped in a jar for use throughout the year when tomatoes are not in season. You can still taste the sunshine in them! 

The Belfiore family of Masseria Mirogallo has been planting these tomatoes from their own heirloom seeds year after year. They are hand-harvested, carefully washed, and quickly blanched. Then, with gentle fingers, the team cuts them into halves, taking great effort not to break them. The team places them into jars and pasteurizes them for the least amount of time necessary, to keep as much of the natural flavor of the tomato in the jar. There is nothing else inside the jar but their own juice—no water or salt has been added.