Two Seasonings, One Story: Italian Seasoning and La Casalinga
A Mercato Pronto family favourite, born in Tuscany and perfected in Dorset.
Every good seasoning has a story, and ours begins on a family holiday in Rosignano Solvay, near Livorno. The coastline is known for its bright white beaches and evenings that naturally turn into long, relaxed barbecues.
- Actual pic of the deli counter in Rosignano -
Roberto was doing what he always does: taking charge of the grill. As a ritual for us, we went searching for a proper local deli. The kind that still sells wine loose and keeps shelves lined with small and essential discoveries.
Among the delights on display was a simple herb mix. Garlic, parsley and a lift of chilli that sharpened everything. Familiar, but with a twist. We tried it that night on the barbecue.
Magic.
Recreating a Tuscan Staple in Dorset
We brought a packet home to understand why it worked. Dorset Spice Shed stepped in. Blending since 2011, led by a lifelong fascination with herbs.
We tested. Refined. Compared. Until a blind tasting matched the original.
Italian Seasoning moved from discovery to production, blended and packed exclusively for Mercato Italiano.
.
Our punchy and versatile Italian blend. A bright and fragrant mix of garlic, parsley and chilli flakes, built for pastas, sauces, stews, roasts and anything that needs instant character. This is the seasoning that began on a Tuscan charcoal grill and found its place on Dorset tables.
The home cook, honest and aromatic. La Casalinga is the seasoning every Italian cook keeps within reach. Herb rich and quietly powerful, it lifts tomato sauces, stufati, braises, roasts and any dish that welcomes slow heat and patience.
It is also excellent over focaccia or bruschetta, a finishing shake that tastes like home.
Blended and packed in Dorset exclusively for Mercato Italiano.
The Dream Team of the Kitchen
Italian Seasoning and La Casalinga are the Swiss army knives of our kitchen, the jars that sit closest to the cooker. Lamb leg slow cooked, pork belly, topside done pink, you name it, I reach for these. They are the first seasonings I grab when anything hearty is on the menu.
Together they turn everyday dishes into something quietly and confidently Italian.
Ilaria Padovani
