Italian Food

By: Hannah Fetter

Almost 60 million people reside in Italy, although it is barely larger than the state of Arizona. Italy has 20 different regions, each very diverse. The cuisine is as equally diverse. Most Americans recognize Italy’s food by the red sauced pasta, like spaghetti. With Italy’s wide ranged climate, coastline, and terrain, neighboring countries have a large variety of cuisine.

Florence, Tuscany

Some may know Florence, Tuscany better for their fine olive oils, sheep’s milk cheeses, and meat dishes. Tuscany is known best for Pecorino cheese, steak alla fiorentina, and Chianti wine. Bread baking is also common in this region. The bread is baked in large loaves, free of salt, perfect to incorporate in many salads and soups. A common salad served is called panzanella. It consists of crumbled bread, tomatoes, onions, and basil. A common soup with bread in it, served in Tuscany, is called ribollita, which is a vegetable soup.

Lombardy

Below Switzerland is a region called Lombardy. Many know Lombardy for its risotto and osso bucco. In Lombardy, rice and polenta are more popular than pasta, butter, and lard from olive oil. Large amounts of meat are consumed in this region. Lombardy has geographic features of lakes and hills. Northern Italy is considered a paradise for some cheese lovers. It is also referred to as the birthplace of many cheeses, such as, firm Gran Padano, blue-veined Gorgonzola, soft, ripe Taleggio, tangy Provolone, and creamy Robiola.

Cites used

Schwartz, Sara. "Italian Food by Region." Delish. Delish, March 14, 2018. https://www.delish.com/cooking/a1206/regional-italian-food/.

Cameron, Sally. "A Foodcentric Life." Accessed October 12, 2019. https://afoodcentriclife.com/ribollita-hearty-tuscan-vegetable-soup/.

www.AFeastfortheEyes.net, Debby -. "A Feast For The Eyes." A Feast For The Eyes, April 22, 2012. http://afeastfortheeyes.net/2012/04/osso-bucco-seduction-dinner.html.

"7 Ways to Eat Like a True Italian." Food Com. Accessed October 12, 2019. https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/packages/italian-cooking-basics/italian-food-traditions.