In praise of Di Vita Tomato and Cheese Sauce

Tomato and Cheese Pasta Sauce

Brand: Di Vita

Price: 498 yen

Place of purchase: Gyomu

Rating:

I love everything about the Di Vita pasta sauces that are available at Gyomu Supermarkets in Japan. First, the price. This large 680 gram of pasta sauce, a product of Italy, only costs 498 yen (before tax), that's less than a yen per gram, despite being imported. Speaking of, the size is fantastic. In my local supermarket, a Beisia, the pasta sauces they sell are all less than 400 grams which is too small for my family of six. Then there is the fact that it is imported - from Italy, which is probably why it works so well and feels more authentic in any pasta dish I make. I also love the way the jar has a wide neck so I can easily put a wooden spoon in, unlike the Japan made sauces in jars so narrow a large spoon barely fits in!

The biggest negative with this product is its availability. I have only personally ever seen this brand of sauces in Gyomu. If you do know of anywhere else that sells it, please do let me know. My nearest Gyomu is about a 15 minute drive away, which isn't too bad, but too far to cycle regularly or to pop to for a last minute ingredient shop. But I stock up whenever I visit Gyomu. The product has a long shelf life, usually about two years, so it is suitable for bulk buying and stocking, especially as it does not need to be refrigerated, unless the jar has been opened.