Toscana Fire — Italian BBQ with Fennel and Smoke
Deel
Toscana Fire is Italian BBQ tradition in a bag. Fennel, rosemary, garlic, and a hint of chili — the flavors of the Tuscan butcher, translated to the grill. In this article, we explain what makes this style so special.
What is Toscana Fire BBQ?
The Tuscan BBQ tradition is all about simplicity and quality. No complex sauces, no dozens of ingredients — just a handful of aromatic herbs that enhance the meat rather than mask it. Fennel seed is the heart of this style: sweet, anisy, and perfect with pork.
The "fire" in Toscana Fire refers to the chili — a subtle heat that balances the sweet fennel and gives character to the dish without overpowering it.
Which Meat?
Toscana Fire is made for pork. Pork belly, spareribs, pork shoulder, and sausage — all benefit from the fennel-rosemary combination. But lamb and chicken also do excellently with this rub.
Check out our guide on indirect vs. direct heat — essential for cooking pork belly on the BBQ.
How to use the Toscana Fire Rub?
Rub the meat generously with olive oil — that fits the Italian style. Apply the rub and massage it in well. Marinate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight. Grill over indirect heat for even cooking and give the meat a short, direct finish at the end for a crispy crust.
Add a sprig of fresh rosemary to the coals while cooking. The smoke from rosemary enhances the herbs in the rub and adds an extra aromatic layer to the meat.
Fennel Seed: the Heart of Toscana Fire
Fennel seed is used in the Toscana Fire rub in two ways: coarsely roasted for bite and aroma, and finely ground for a continuous flavor base. This combination gives the rub a three-dimensional taste that you experience differently with every bite.
Where do BBQ spices come from? — the origin of fennel seed and other spices explained.
Temperature and Cooking Time
For pork belly, aim for a core temperature of 88–93°C for a pull-apart tender result. For a firmer bite, stop at 75–80°C. Want all core temperatures in a row?
BBQ Temperatures — the complete guide for home — core temperatures per meat type and the stall explained.
Try the Toscana Fire Rub
Freshly mixed to order. Fennel, rosemary, and a hint of chili — the flavors of Tuscany on your BBQ.
Order Toscana FireStarter Pack · 3 flavors