Nestled in the heart of Apulia, South Italy, lies a region rich in cultural heritage and culinary treasures. Apulia, also known as Puglia, is renowned for its stunning landscapes, ancient architecture, and, perhaps most notably, its gastronomic specialties. From the sun-kissed olive groves to the quaint coastal towns, every corner of Apulia exudes a sense of authenticity and tradition, reflected in its diverse culinary offerings.
At the forefront of preserving and showcasing the flavours of this enchanting region is Granarte, a bakery based in the picturesque town of Monopoli. Since its inception in 2004, Granarte has been dedicated to crafting artisanal delights that capture the essence of Puglia cuisine.
Puglia gastronomy
Before delving into Granarte's story, it's essential to understand the culinary landscape that defines Apulia. Blessed with a Mediterranean climate and fertile soil, Apulia boasts an abundance of fresh farm goods, seafood and olive oil, which form the cornerstone of its cuisine.
One of the quintessential Apulian delicacies is the frisella, a traditional twice-baked bread renowned for its crisp texture and versatility. Made from durum wheat flour and water, frisellas are typically seasoned with extra virgin olive oil, tomatoes, oregano and salt, creating a savoury treat perfect for any occasion.
Tarallini, another beloved specialty, are bite-sized, ring-shaped crackers made from flour, extra virgin olive oil, white wine and various seasonings such as fennel seeds or onions.
These crunchy snacks are a staple in Apulian households and are often enjoyed on their own or paired with cheese or dips.
Granarte – A taste of tradition
Granarte's journey began in 2004 with a vision to celebrate and share the authentic flavours of Apulia with the world.
What started as a simple venture specialising in fresh pasta has since evolved into a renowned bakery well known for its diverse range of products.
In an exclusive interview to The Secret Sanctum Magazine, the founder of Granarte, Mr Martino Sgobba, a young business man and chef from Monopoli, near Bari, shared insights into the company's philosophy and dedication to high standards. "We are a company that has diversified its products over the years based on market trends" Mr Sgobba explained. "Our journey has led us from fresh pasta to focaccia, bread, and ultimately, artisanal baked goods."
Central to Granarte's offerings are their renowned taralli, which come in a variety of flavours, including fennel, onion, whole grain and multigrain. Made with premium ingredients such as theur own extra virgin olive oil and white wine, these savoury snacks encapsulate the essence of Puglia cuisine.
In addition to taralli, in fact, Granarte takes pride in producing extra virgin olive oil, using olives harvested from their own orchards using traditional manual methods. This commitment to superior standards and authenticity is further reflected in their friselle, made from the finest ingredients and following time-honoured recipes passed down through generations.
Craftsmanship and Quality
What sets Granarte apart is their unwavering dedication to craftsmanship and quality.
"All our products are handmade by my mother and myself, ensuring that no two pieces are alike," the founder emphasized. "Our recipes are rooted in family tradition, dating back centuries. When you taste our products, you're transported to the rustic charm of the Apulian countryside, with its aromas of sun-drenched wheat fields and the simplicity of Mediterranean cuisine."
Granarte's extra virgin olive oil, a single-variety blend produced from Coratina olives, embodies the rich flavours and aromas of the region, providing a true taste of Apulia in every bottle. Coratina stands out for its uniqueness. Its flavour is intensely fruity, grassy and herbaceous, making it a wonderful oil to use in any recipe.
Granarte devotion to sustainability ensures that every product reflects the authenticity and integrity of the land. Moreover, while sourcing products locally would already be commendable, they take it a step further by proudly utilising only their very own produce to bring consumers the freshest and finest goods, demonstrating their commitment to excellence.
Despite their two-decade presence in the market, Granarte remains true to their artisanal roots, eschewing mechanisation in favour of manual processes.
From production to packaging, every step is carried out by hand with care and attention to detail, ensuring that customers receive nothing but the finest-grade products.
A bridge to the World
While Granarte's presence has primarily been felt within Italy, the company is poised to expand its reach beyond national borders.
With a growing demand for authentic Apulian products from international markets, Granarte has forged partnerships, such as with the British The Secret Sanctum, to introduce their offerings to a global audience.
"We want to share the flavours and aromas of our land with people around the world" Mr Sgobba expressed. "Whether you're savouring our products in Puglia or across the ocean, our goal remains the same: to preserve tradition, celebrate mastery and create memorable culinary experiences."
As Granarte embarks on this new chapter of growth and exploration, one thing remains certain – their unwavering promise to quality, tradition, and the timeless flavours of Apulia.
Through their artisanal skills and dedication to authenticity, Granarte invites you to embark on a gastronomic journey through the heart and soul of Italy's southern gem.
Granarte will supply TSS multifunctional space in London Bankside.