ROQUE ANCHOVIES are deeply rooted in the tradition of the coastal village of Collioure, France, where they have been produced since the 1500’s. Collioure is situated on the Mediterranean Sea, just north of the border with Spain. This specific area of the Mediterranean is renowned for anchovies that travel in the shoals of the warm waters.
The Roque family traces their beginnings in the area back to 1870 when Alphonse Roque began to work in an anchovy factory. In 1922, his son Léon Roque founded the family business and in 1969 he passed the company to his own children, Renée and Guy. The Roque family is one of only two remaining families producing anchovies in this region. The production of anchovies is an extremely labor intensive process and the company is completely dependent on the local employees, many of whom have been working with the Roque family for many years.
Using a five hundred year old technique, the fish are salted with sea salt and allowed to cure for three months. During this time period the head salter regularly monitors the maturation to determine when they are fully cured. The decision on when to end the maturation is not calculated by machines but by the touch, sight, and smell of the head salter. The entire process of cleaning, salting and curing is done by hand.
The Rogers Collection is offering four different types of ROQUE ANCHOVIES.
Anchovies in salt: These anchovies still have the spines attached and should be soaked in cold water for 20-30 minutes to de-salt and allow for easy removal of the spine).
Anchovies in Sunflower Oil (deboned filets): packed in sunflower oil because the flavor is neutral (compared to olive oil) and this allows for the full flavor of the fish to be enjoyed.
Cream of Anchovy: anchovies are ground into a paste and blended with sunflower oil and vinegar.
Roquerones (anchovies marinated in vinegar): Made from fresh (not cured) anchovy filets. Marinated in 80% white vinegar and 20% red vinegar overnight, then rinsed, dried, and packed in sunflower oil.
The Rogers Collection imports and distributes luxury foods of distinctive quality created by authentic, traditional producers from Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. Thanks to The Rogers Collection and their dedication to family-run and small-batch products, these extraordinary ingredients are now found in restaurant and home kitchens across America. Contact Carrie Davenport at 207.828.2000; carrie@therogerscollection.com; visit therogerscollection.com.
Source: The Rogers Collection