Sicilian Cooking, Centuries of History

The Carthaginians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Normans, Swedes, French and Spanish have all played a part in the history of Sicily, giving this area of Italy a continuous succession of armies, populations, dominations, enforcements, new rules and new traditions. It is for this reason that the question of ‘typical’ Sicilian cuisine is a complex one. The evolution of cooking traditions over the span of the centuries has been gradually ‘contaminated’ by the various populations and food products.

Tuscany: A Local Variety of Dishes

When talking about traditional Tuscany food, we must first overcome the clichés relating to big roast meals, important fried dishes, barbecues and large bowls of soup. The varied cuisine of this region is, in fact, a direct result of a historical evolution linked to the many different populations that in the course of time have settled here.
The uses and traditions that have been handed down from generation to generation have left a stamp of simplicity and careful attention to non-wastage, on this area of Italy. The cuisine that has developed here, however, is also one that is adaptable and ready to evolve to the new requirements set out by a new technological awareness and modern heating and freezing technology.

Marche: Seafood and Landfood Cooking

Until a few years ago, the Marche could be considered a predominantly agricultural region. Farm produce was mostly for local family consumption, and along the coast, the sea offered its riches to the fishermen. Industrialisation has here maintained respect for the environment and the countryside, the Marche people have not abandoned their own style: life here, like the food, is generally sober, civil and simple.

Knowing What You Eat

We all put food into our stomachs because we feel the pangs of hunger and so, we eat; thus, we are fed and nourished, providing our bodies with fuel.
But knowing when to eat and what you eat are two different things. To really “know” food means to know where the food came from, who produced it, who prepared it, what techniques and flavorings they used; it means being aware of the sensations it gives you and the memories it evokes.

When Food is Fast

In the rich countries of the world the last few decades have seen the spread of eating habits styled after the fast food model: food quickly prepared and quickly eaten, carbonated drinks, high fat content.
Some have said that this model is very “democratic” because, everyone can finally afford to eat meat because it is cheap.
Now, we are seeing the consequences: millions of obese 10 year-olds (probably obese for life), widespread health problems at all levels of the population, traditional eating habits changed forever.