What is mugnolo

It is also called mugnule chama, with the pronunciation of the first "ù", and is a typical vegetable of the Salento family of the Brassicaceae, originating mainly from the areas around Lecce, where it once grew also spontaneous.

Poor cabbage for the peasants, the mugnolo is the simplest cousin of the broccoli, simple just because its inflorescence is smaller and less developed, almost like that of the top of a turnip, but for conformation it is completely similar. The edible part is precisely the inflorescences or "peaks" that almost resemble the vegetation of succulent plants.

How to eat mugnolo

Those who are accustomed to the dialect of Lecce, know that the "ribs" are the very tops of this cabbage, used for a long time in the local cuisine, especially in simple traditional and peasant recipes that see it as the protagonist.

Here is a video of Tele Rama that illustrates the traditional recipe of pasta with mugnuli . As can be seen, the mugnuli are boiled or sautéed with garlic and chilli pepper, a healthy and highly appreciated vegetable, a specialty to try if you venture among the typical trattorias of Salento.

Recent studies also show the same excellent properties of broccoli, cauliflower and turnip greens for mugnolos: they would play an important role in the prevention of tumors and inflammation, thanks to the presence of glucosinolates (GLS).

Where to buy mugnolo

It is not easy to find the mugnolo, if not locally and in Puglia. But do not despair: try to ask the stall or vegetable shop that has contacts with Puglia, or rely on some solidarity buying groups, such as Salento Km0, which with its virtuous projects is working hard to make a change to the rural world and to put back on the table and make known the many treasures of the Apulian biodiversity .

Or ask some friend from the south who returns north at the end of the holidays if he brings you some to taste!

Curiosities: The Puglia region has included the mùgnuli in the list of traditional Italian food products. Already mentioned in the Salento agriculture in 1914. And from the Storie Contadine, the wonders of the ancient world : here is a video that illustrates and introduces you to wild mugnuli.