Cetara and the Colatura di Alici: A Gastronomic Treasure

Colatura di Alici: Liquid Gold of the Sea

Colatura di Alici is an extraordinary sauce derived from the age-old tradition of salting, pressing, and aging anchovies. The anchovies are caught in the spring season, cleaned, and aged by placing them into wooden containers with alternating layers of salt. After several months, the liquid that forms is then collected, filtered, and left to decant. The result is an amber liquid with an intense, savory flavor that encapsulates the essence of the sea. Colatura di alici dates back to Roman times and a similar condiment called “garum.” In Cetara, this tradition has been preserved and passed down from generation to generation, transforming the colatura into a symbol of gastronomic excellence. Each fishing family has its own secrets for production making each bottle of colatura a unique piece of local history and culture.

Uses in Cooking

Colatura di Alici is a versatile ingredient that can be used in many recipes. One of the simplest and most traditional uses is as a sauce for pasta. Just mix colatura with extra virgin olive oil, garlic, parsley, and chili pepper, and that’s it—a dish of spaghetti with colatura di alici that encapsulates all the flavors of the sea. The colatura can also be used to enrich salads, vegetables, soups, and main courses.

Visiting Cetara means plunging into a world where time seems to stand still, where traditions are still alive, and where every corner tells stories of the sea and its fishermen. The natural beauty of the village combined with its gastronomic richness makes Cetara a must-see destination for those visiting the Amalfi Coast.

Cetara and its colatura di alici represent an invaluable element of Italian gastronomic culture. This small fishing village, with its centuries-old traditions and authentic flavors, offers a unique experience that goes beyond mere tasting. It is a journey into the heart of the Mediterranean, among sea, history, and unforgettable flavors. Every drop of anchovy colatura tells the story of Cetara—a story of passion, dedication, and love for the sea.