Carmela and Ortensia are first-generation Italian sisters. Their parents immigrated to the US in the 1960’s from Altamura, Italy. While raising their family in the US, their mom ensured a home-cooked meal made its way to the table every evening. This was as integral to their upbringing as their education. While the sisters were attending school and learning the English language, their home life was resoundingly Italian. From the language that was spoken and written, to the food they ate, their homeland was assuredly present in their everyday lives. They did not drink soda or eat peanut butter like many of their peers, nor were they allowed to speak English in the home. Their parents made it their lives’ mission to make certain the girls remained aware of their culture and upbringing as a unique and treasured addition to their new surroundings, rather than something to be cast aside as they assimilated. Ortensia returned to Italy at a young age to re-immerse herself in the traditions and familiarity of her homeland. Twenty-five years later, she returned to join her sister with a shared vision to bring the Italian culture, and their parents’ legacy, back to the US.
Cibarsi Bene has formed strong relationships with all of the growers and owners of our products, and a single importer who shares our goals. Our EVOO comes from a single-source farm and is made with a special Coratina olive, only found in the Puglia region. This EVOO has a polyphenol count of over six-hundred, and is bottled in UV-protected glass. The flavor-enhanced oils use this amazing Coratina as their base to deliver a product unlike any other. Our balsamic vinegars hail from Modena, Italy, are barrel-aged for six years, and thickened through the aging process. The vinegar comes in many different flavors, allowing fruit essences to complement and enhance the pure and powerful flavors already present. These vinegars have a wide array of uses, and are ideal candidates for elevating a dish – naturally, and healthfully.
At Cibarsi Bene, we believe that real Italian Food, to be appreciated, needs to be understood. There are tremendous misconceptions about many food products and dishes from Italy, here in the U.S. Our company was formed to bring the truth of the Italian kitchen into the American home. We believe our all-natural, farm-to-table philosophy assures you of a product quality and consistency that accurately represents the artisans who produce these products.