Frequently Asked Questions | Fratelli Belfiore
Here you'll find answers to the most common questions about our typical Abruzzo products and purchases on the Fratelli Belfiore website. If you don't find what you're looking for, we're just a call or message away.
Our products
What is Ventricina Vastese?
Ventricina Vastese is the iconic cured meat of the Vasto area in Abruzzo. It is prepared with selected pork, hand-cut into large pieces, and spiced with sweet and hot peppers according to recipes passed down through generations. We produce it artisanally in our shop on Via Giulio Cesare, following the original recipe from Palmoli, in the Alto Vastese region, just as our fathers did in 1964.
What is the difference between Ventricina Vastese and Ventricina Teramana?
They are two completely different products, both from Abruzzo. Ventricina Vastese has a firm and rustic texture, large pieces of meat, and intense seasoning. The Teramana version is softer, almost spreadable, with a different flavor profile. When we talk about ventricina here, we always refer to the one from Vastese: the one we have known and produced for sixty years.
Is ventricina spicy?
It depends on the version. Tradition dictates a spicy note from the pepper, but the level of spiciness varies. Our ventricina comes in sweet and hot versions: both maintain the authentic character of the product without overpowering the meat's flavor. The variant is indicated on each product page.
How is ventricina eaten?
The simplest and most authentic way is sliced thick, on homemade bread with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. But in the Vastese region, ventricina is often used in cooking: ventricina ragù with tacconi pasta is one of the most deeply rooted dishes in local tradition. It's also perfect on a platter with local cheeses and a glass of Montepulciano d'Abruzzo.
Do you only sell ventricina?
No. In our shop, and online, you'll also find sausages and loin fillets of our own production, Belfiore brand preserves, and a carefully selected range of typical Abruzzo products: Giuseppe Cocco pasta, wines, cheeses, local specialties. Every product we put online is one we have sold in our shop for years, not something generic.
Where do your products come from?
We produce our cured meats in our laboratory in Vasto, using 100% Italian pork and no preservatives. Our preserves are under the Belfiore brand. The selected products come from Abruzzo producers we know personally and have sold in our shop for years. Nothing is chosen at random.
Why choose artisanal Abruzzo products?
Because behind an artisanal product there is a true story: a region, a family, a recipe that is not invented in a laboratory. Industrial products all look alike. Artisanal ones do not. And you can taste the difference.
Orders and shipping
Do you ship all over Italy?
Yes. We ship throughout Italy with a courier, to allow Abruzzo natives outside the region and those who have only visited Vasto once to continue having a piece of Abruzzo in their pantry.
How long does shipping take?
Delivery times are indicated at checkout based on the destination. We do our best to prepare and ship orders as quickly as possible. If you have particular urgency, please write to us before ordering.
How are products preserved during shipping?
Every order is carefully prepared to preserve quality and freshness during transport. Cured meats are vacuum-packed and adequately packaged. In case of delivery anomalies, please contact us immediately: we always find a solution.
How should ventricina be stored after purchase?
Whole ventricina should be stored in a cool, dry place. After opening the package, it should be kept in the refrigerator. We recommend following the instructions on the label. If you have any questions, call us: 0873 363610.
About us
What makes Fratelli Belfiore special?
Sixty years of shopkeeping in Vasto, Abruzzo. Nicola and Alfredo Belfiore still produce ventricina, sausages, and loin fillets using the original recipe from Palmoli, in the Alto Vastese region: hand-cut meat, natural casing, no preservatives. It's not just a saying. It's exactly what you find when you open one of our products.
How can I contact you?
You can write to us at info@fratellibelfiore.it or call us at 0873 363610. We are in the shop from Monday to Saturday, 8:00 AM–1:00 PM and 5:00 PM–8:00 PM. Guaranteed response within 24 business hours.