Lombardy, Italy
Italy’s rice production takes place almost exclusively in the Po valley, which is where you will find “Meracinque”; the farm from whom we buy our Carnaroli rice.
Nestled near the small town of Roncoferrano, Lombardy, their surroundings betray one of the most remarkable productions we have found in our travels throughout Italy, with rice grown to a standard that we continue to struggle to wrap our heads around.
We started carrying their rice in 2018, after having it recommended by an old colleague - It was a bit of a shot in the dark as we had been much more focused on cured meats and cheeses.
It wasn’t really until 2021 when we found ourselves in the area and asked to visit their farm, that we realised how special they are.
They are a proudly modern farm; evidenced in them being women-owned and ran in an area that remains highly male-dominated, and also in the wide range of high-tech tools and techniques that they employ at every stage of their production.
Every aspect of their farming is designed to be as sustainable and eco-friendly as possible, as well as to create the highest quality rice.
Nestled near the small town of Roncoferrano, Lombardy, their surroundings betray onTermed “Agriculture 4.0”, they use a suite of tools that are relatively rare to find in Italy, including use of aerial imaging to monitor their paddies, and satellite data to check moisture levels in the plants.
Further, they use cover cropping in the winter months to protect the soil and maintain biodiversity, and employ the practice of “ratooning”, whereby they harvest only the top of the rice plants and leave the bottoms to re-grow - both of which reduce greenhouse emissions throughout the growing process.e of the most remarkable productions we have found in our travels throughout Italy, with rice grown to a standard that we continue to struggle to wrap our heads around.
Their product is undeniably expensive compared to supermarket Arborio or Carnaroli, and customers do occasionally ask why we charge such a high price for it, but the reality is that you pay a bit more than supermarket prices to receive a product that is many times better in quality and sustainability.
Meracinque are a producer we are sincerely proud to work with.
Carnaroli Rice (1kg)
Our Carnaroli is grown by Meracinque in the clay-rich soil of Rocoferrano, Lombardy with no chemical treatments.
Their rice is preferred in professional kitchens as it keeps its structure much better when cooking, is more resistant to over-cooking, and ultimately makes a much creamier risotto with a better texture.
Pickup available at Borough Market
Usually ready in 24 hours
Carnaroli Rice (1kg)
Borough Market
Borough Market
Three Crown Square, 8 Southwark St
London SE1 1TL
United Kingdom