Italian antipasti are made with an assortment
of vegetables, and Italissima Antipasti –
Preserved Vegetables are of the highest quality.

Every great Italian meal is made with an assortment of vegetables, and Italissima brand are of the highest quality. From antipasti to the main course, you will need an assortment of vegetables – most of which you will find preserved in a retail or foodservice size. Try our Antipasti – Preserved Vegetables.

Antipasto (plural antipasti) means “before the meal” and is the traditional first course of a formal Italian meal. Traditional antipasto includes cured meats, olives, peperoncini, mushrooms, anchovies, artichoke hearts, various cheeses (such as provolone or mozzarella), pickled meats, and vegetables in oil or vinegar.

The contents of an antipasto vary greatly according to regional cuisine. It is quite possible to find in the south of Italy different preparations of saltwater fish and traditional southern cured meats (like soppressata or ‘nduja), whereas in northern Italy it will contain different kinds of cured meats and mushrooms and probably, especially near lakes, preparations of freshwater fish. The cheeses included also vary significantly between regions and backgrounds.

Antipasto is served at the table and signifies the official beginning of the Italian meal. It may also be referred to as a starter, or an entrée.