ITALIAN CUSINE | FOOD AND WINE IN ITALY

Italian cuisine has developed through centuries of social and political change. Significant changes occurred with the discovery of the New World and the introduction of potatoes, tomatoes, bell peppers and maize, now central to the cuisine but not introduced in quantity until the 18th century. Italian cuisine is noted for its regional diversity, abundance of difference in taste, and it is probably the most popular in the world. Italian cuisine is characterized by its simplicity, with many dishes having only four to eight ingredients. Italian cooks rely chiefly on the quality of the ingredients rather than on elaborate preparation.

Modern Italian cuisine has developed through centuries of social and political changes, with roots as far back as the 4th century BC. Italian cuisine in itself takes heavy influences, including Etruscan, ancient Greek, ancient Roman, Byzantine, and Jewish. Significant changes occurred with the discovery of the New World with the introduction of items such as potatoes, tomatoes, bell peppers and maize, now central to the cuisine but not introduced in quantity until the 18th century.

The Mediterranean diet forms the basis of Italian cuisine, rich in pasta, fish and vegetables and characterised by its extreme simplicity and variety, with many dishes having only four to eight ingredients. Dishes and recipes are often derivatives from local and familial tradition rather than created by chefs, so many recipes are ideally suited for home cooking. This is one of the main reasons behind the ever increasing worldwide popularity of Italian cuisine, from America to Asia.

Ingredients and dishes vary widely by region. A key factor in the success of Italian cuisine is its heavy reliance on traditional products; Italy has the most traditional specialities protected under EU law. Cheese, cold cuts and wine are a major part of Italian cuisine, with many regional declinations and Protected Designation of Origin or Protected Geographical Indication labels, and along with coffee (especially espresso) make up a very important part of the Italian gastronomic culture. Desserts have a long tradition of merging local flavours such as citrus fruits, pistachio and almonds with sweet cheeses like mascarpone and ricotta or exotic tastes as cocoa, vanilla and cinnamon. Gelato, tiramisù and cassata are among the most famous examples of Italian desserts, cakes and patisserie.

History of Italian Cooking

• Italian Cusine History: Prehistory
• Italian Cusine History: Middle Ages
• Italian Cusine History: 1200-1400
• Italian Cusine History: 1700-1900

FOOD AND WINE OF ITALY

• Italian Cusine Ingredients
• Bagnoli o Bagnoli di Sopra D.O.C. Wine Zone
• Corti Benedettine del Padovano D.O.C. Wine Zone
• Riviera del Brenta Wine Zone, Venice Italy
• Foods to Try in Venice
• Asiago Cheese in the Vicenza Province
• Breganze Wine Zone, Vicenza Italy
• Colli Berici Wine Zone, Vicenza Province
• Gambellara Wine Zone, Vicenza Italy
• Arcole DOC Wine Zone, Verona
• Bardolino Wine Zone, Verona Province
• Custoza D.O.C. Wine Zone, Verona Province
• Garda D.O.C. WIne Zone, Verona Province
• Merlara D.O.C. Wine Zone, Verona Province
• Lugana D.O.C. Wine Zone, Verona Province
• Monti Lessini Wine Zone, Verona Province
• Soave Wine Zone, Verona Province
• Terra dei Forti Val d'Adige Wine Zone, Verona Province
• Valpolicella Wine Zone, Veneto Italy
• Piave Cheese from the Belluno Province
• Asolina Hills and Montello Wine Zones in Treviso Province
• Conegliano Wine Zone Treviso Province
• Lison Wine Zone Treviso Italy
• Piave River Wine Zone Treviso Italy
• Colli Gorizia Wine Zone, Italy
• Colline Novaresi DOC Wine, Novara Province
• Franciacorta Wine, Lombardy Region
• Gorgonzola Cheese, Lombardy Region
• Grana Padano Cheese, Italy
• Stacchino (Crescenza) Cheese, Lombardy
• Talleggio Cheese, Lombardy Region

Italy is one of the most diverse places in the world to visit but there is more to the country then Venice, Florence, Roma, Cinque Terre and a couple of other top attractions.  If you plan you days well and understand how to move around within the country you can a great cost effective vacation full of activity, history, culture, and great food and wine.  Contact us to get the insights to travel in Italy.  We offer:

• Travel Consultant- book time online for a web chat to answer your questions about traveling in Italy.
• Travel Planning - need help outlining and planning your adventure in Italy.
• Scheduled Tours - each month we lead a scheduled tour for those looking to join a small group to explore.
• Travel support:  Bike Touring - routes, bike rental, bag transfers.  Walking/Hiking Tours - routes, bag transfers.
• Booking assistance and suggested contacts.