Frantoini with Castignano green anise seeds

I Frantoini are a specialty artisanally produced in the kitchens of the Azienda Agrituristica Vecchio Frantoio, a small family-run farm located in the heart of the inland hills of Ascoli, near the Abbazia di Rosara. They are dry biscuits made with just a few ingredients, wholesome and genuine. Three versions are available: with almonds, with chocolate chips and walnuts, and with Castignano green anise seeds. Anise is a plant with a thousand-year-old tradition, whose beneficial properties have been known since ancient times. Besides being used to flavour foods, wines and beverages, anise has always been credited with beneficial effects against various ailments such as intestinal pain, respiratory tract conditions and indigestion. In the Marche region, anise cultivation is very widespread, especially in the Piceno area, where thanks to the particular composition of the soil, clayey and well-drained, the sunny exposure and the cool air currents, an ecotype of green anise grows characterised by a very high percentage of anethole (94%), making it very aromatic and sweet. In Castignano, a town in the province of Ascoli Piceno, a special anise is grown, recognised as a Slow Food Presidium. We recommend trying the Frantoini paired with a glass of good vino cotto, but they are also delicious with a cup of tea or milk and, of course, on their own.