Acqua e Sole

Acqua e Sole is much more than just a brand: it is the synthesis of an entrepreneurial dream that aims to introduce to the market a range of excellent products, in total respect for naturalness, control of the production chain, and craftsmanship. This dynamic reality is located in Novara, in Piedmont, and extends across 300 hectares where only the best varieties of rice are cultivated, with passion and total respect for tradition and nature. Thanks to the collaboration of a highly specialized staff and cutting-edge technical means used along the entire supply chain, this company is able to offer a controlled product, a guarantee that is also a symbol of quality.

All the rice produced by Acqua e Sole is sown, harvested, processed, and packaged within the same agricultural company, thus creating a strictly integrated production chain that allows for the production of rice and a series of other derived products, such as flours, which are strictly of the highest quality and capable of best reflecting the company's philosophy: to offer its customers good, genuine, healthy food, controlled at every stage according to rigorous quality principles.

Acqua e Sole is part of the agricultural company AnFed Agri, an important reality in the Novara area that extends over a total area of over 350 hectares where, in rotation with rice, other cereals such as corn, soy, and much more are also cultivated. Diversely, there are various varieties of rice produced by Acqua e Sole, different types in terms of appearance, flavor, and use. Only products of excellence that this company also uses to produce truly unique flours and, above all, of quality.
 

Acqua e Sole: A variety of rice for all tastes

The offer of Acqua e Sole aims to satisfy everyone's tastes: there are as many as seven varieties of rice in two formats of 500g and 1kg. Let's start with the classics of tradition, the most well-known to the general public: Arborio rice and Carnaroli rice.

The Arborio Rice is characterized by a large, pearl-like grain that absorbs a lot of water during cooking, significantly increasing in weight. A peculiarity of this type of rice is its cooking; the grain cooks evenly on the outside but tends to keep the core al dente. The Arborio rice is an Italian variety of rice selected in 1946 by Domenico Marchetti, named after the municipality of Arborio in the Vercelli area in the Po Valley, where the variety was selected. This rice is perfect for preparing and stirring creamy risottos and, in general, for making timbales.

The Carnaroli rice, either classic or integral, is truly a must for your kitchen, and it is no coincidence that it is called the "King of Rices." Thanks to its high starch content, firmer texture, and longer grains, it holds up cooking superbly. Originating from Pavia, Novara, and Vercelli, it was created in 1945 thanks to the work of the rice grower from Paullo, Angelo De Vecchi, who crossed two other rice varieties, Vialone and Lencino. A small curiosity: the name of this rice seems to derive from that of one of his collaborators, one Carnaroli indeed. Carnaroli Rice is ideal for preparing excellent meat-based risottos as it remains particularly fluffy, in the authentic style of Mantuan tradition.

Next is the Classic Sant'Andrea Rice, which has a long grain (although smaller than Carnaroli) whose dimensions and structural characteristics make it an excellent compromise between cooking hold and ability to absorb condiments. This is mainly why many prefer it over Carnaroli for making creamy risottos, although others use it more for making excellent soups. Sant'Andrea rice, a variety of Baraggia rice cultivated once exclusively in the provinces of Biella and Vercelli in Piedmont, even received DOP certification in 2007.

The Roma rice is characterized by long, plump grains of great consistency that absorb any condiment perfectly while remaining compact yet well-separated. It is a type of rice highly appreciated for its ability to absorb flavors very well and its shorter cooking time compared to other rice varieties, characteristics that make the Roma rice particularly versatile in the kitchen: perfect for preparing seafood risottos, sauces, and casseroles (let's not forget that this rice is perfect for making arancine). 

The whole grain red rice Il Cardinale is a lesser-known but very nutritious variety of rice rich in fiber. It also contains high levels of antioxidants, vitamin B6, and minerals such as iron, magnesium, and zinc, and is also rich in proteins, characteristics that make it perfect for inclusion in vegan and vegetarian diets. The whole grain red rice Il Cardinale is extremely versatile in the kitchen and pairs perfectly with vegetables and light dressings, which complement its delicate aroma, but it is also great for enriching creamy soups and grain soups, warm cakes, rice salads, and even desserts.

Finally, the whole grain black rice Il Moro amazes with its intense, rich flavor, so good that it could even be eaten without dressing. It is highly valued for its low glycemic index and the presence of a natural pigment with antioxidant properties that can slow the phenomenon of cellular aging. As it is a whole grain, Il Moro black rice contains a lot of starch and fiber but few fatty acids and proteins. However, it contains several B vitamins and a high mineral content, such as iron, at levels four times higher than common rice, and selenium. In the kitchen, it is very versatile, pairing perfectly with fish, especially shellfish, white meats, and vegetables, but it is also perfect for enriching salads and soups.
 

Not just rice but also flour

Acqua e Sole also offers top-quality flours made by milling three of the rice varieties from its own production. You will find Carnaroli Classic Rice Flour, Il Cardinale Whole Grain Red Rice Flour, and Il Moro Whole Grain Black Rice Flour.

Extraordinary flours, perfect for giving your dishes a unique touch. They are indeed perfect for preparing breading for frying, but also as a thickener to give body to tasty sauces or soups, and even for making delicious gluten-free sweets.