CRISPINO PASSATA COLLECTION – Authentic Calabrian Tomato Passata Since 1979

The Story Behind "Salsa per Amatori" – Italy's Most Authentic Tomato Passata

In the 1950s, brothers Antonio and Benedetto Crispino emigrated from Calabria to Northern Italy, leaving behind the sun-drenched tomato fields of their homeland and the cherished family ritual of making conserva (tomato preserves) with their mother, Maria. Missing the authentic taste of Calabrian tomatoes, they made a bold decision in 1979: return to the Valle del Savuto in Calabria with one mission—to create "Salsa per Amatori," the best and most genuine tomato passata in the world, just like Mamma Maria made it.

Nearly half a century later, that same family recipe continues to define excellence in Italian passata. Based in Lago-Mangone, Calabria, Famiglia Crispino remains one of Southern Italy's most respected artisan food producers, earning First Place at the Italian Food Awards for their unwavering commitment to purity, tradition, and the motto: "Sapuri e Amuri di Calabria" (Taste and Love of Calabria)

2. SALSA PER AMATORI RUSTICA – The Roasted Classic

Smoky, robust, and unmistakably Calabrian—this roasted tomato passata celebrates the deeper, earthier side of Southern Italian tradition. Sun-ripened tomatoes are first slow-roasted to coax out rich, caramelized sweetness and warm, smoky undertones. The chunkier texture comes from crushed whole Italian tomatoes rather than finely sieved ones, giving it a more substantial feel compared to Classica.

Ingredients: 100% roasted Italian Calabrian tomatoes

Flavor Profile: Roasted tomato richness, deep caramelized sweetness, soft smokiness, rustic chunky texture, unmistakably Calabrian

Best For:

• Rich, rustic pasta sauces (fusilli, rigatoni, orecchiette)
• Hearty meat sauces (ragù, Bolognese base)
• Robust pizza toppings
• Shakshuka and Mediterranean stews
• Braising meats and vegetables

Why It's Superior: This is one of the cleanest and most authentic roasted tomato passatas available to American consumers. Crafted from tomatoes grown within a 50-kilometer local radius and processed within hours of harvest, it contains no tomato concentrate, no citric acid, no added salt, no preservatives, and no dyes—just pure roasted tomatoes elevated by slow cooking and traditional Calabrian technique.

3. SALSA PER AMATORI CON BASILICO – The Basil Infusion

Bright, aromatic, and effortlessly elegant—this classic Calabrian tomato sauce is crafted with uncompromising purity. Fresh basil brings this passata to life with an intoxicating aroma that evokes Mediterranean vegetable gardens. This is the purest expression of tomato and basil—the most iconic pairing in Italian cuisine.

Ingredients: Italian tomato pulp (87%), extra virgin olive oil, fresh basil (3%), onion, sea salt

Flavor Profile: Bright tomato sweetness, fragrant fresh basil, smooth EVOO body, gentle onion notes—balanced, clean, and unmistakably Calabrian

Best For:

• Spaghetti al pomodoro e basilico
• Caprese pasta dishes
• Quick weeknight pasta dinners
• Summer vegetable medleys
• Ready-to-use sauce (just heat and serve)

Why It's Superior: With 87% Italian tomato pulp, slow-cooked to preserve natural sweetness and depth, and enriched with extra virgin olive oil, fresh basil, onion, and sea salt, this sauce delivers a velvety texture and balanced herb aroma. Free from citric acid, preservatives, concentrates, dyes, and added sugar, it's far purer and more traditionally crafted than most basil pasta sauces found in American retail.

4. SALSA PER AMATORI PEPERONCINO – The Calabrian Fire

Fiery, vibrant, and unmistakably Southern Italian—this passata captures the true spirit of Calabria with authentic peperoncino calabrese (Calabrian chili peppers). Not an imitation, not a "Calabrian-style" hot sauce, and not an industrial chili paste. This is the real Calabrian chili sauce that locals use daily in their kitchens: naturally spicy, fruity, bright, and beautifully intense.

Ingredients: Italian Calabrian tomatoes, 100% Calabrian chili peppers, extra virgin olive oil

Flavor Profile: Vibrant heat, fruity depth, authentic Calabrian pepper character, naturally spicy with bright complexity

Heat Level: Medium-Hot (authentic Calabrian spice—bold but not overwhelming)

Best For:

• Penne all'arrabbiata
• Spicy marinara sauce
• Fra diavolo seafood pasta
• Bold pizza sauces
• Shakshuka with authentic heat
• Any dish requiring genuine Calabrian fire

Why It's Superior: Made exclusively in Calabria from 100% Calabrian chili peppers blended with sun-ripened Italian tomatoes and premium extra virgin olive oil, this sauce is slowly cooked according to tradition and completely free from citric acid, concentrates, preservatives, dyes, and added sugar. Every jar brings the genuine flavor of Calabria's hillsides—the same pepper heat that has defined regional cooking for generations.

5. POMODORI GIALLI – Yellow Datterino Tomato Passata

An ancient variety of yellow datterino ("date") tomatoes creates this unique passata with exceptional natural sweetness and delicate character. These small, elongated tomatoes are carefully selected, processed within hours of harvesting, and cooked very slowly to ensure high density while preserving their naturally sweet, fruity profile.

Ingredients: 100% Yellow Datterino Calabrian tomatoes

Flavor Profile: Unique natural sweetness, delicate fruit notes, bright yet gentle acidity, lighter body than red varieties

Best For:

• Seafood pasta (shrimp, scallops, clams, mussels)
• Vegetable-forward sauces with bell peppers
• Pairing with capers, anchovies, or olives
• Light summer pasta dishes
• Risotto base
• Creating visual elegance in plated dishes

Why It's Superior: This rare ancient variety offers a sweeter, more delicate alternative to traditional red passata. Salt-free and perfect for people with high blood pressure concerns. The high quality of the raw material eliminates the need for citric acid or added salt. Without seeds and peels, the wide-cut processing gives greater adhesion to pasta and better yield.

COMPARISON TABLE: Which Crispino Passata Is Right For You?