Tuscany is home to some of the world’s
finest cuisine. The Tuscan way of life
is slow paced and nonchalant. Due to the
casual composure of the locals, the
meals in this centrally located Italian
region tend to be very simple and
seasonal. The countryside shows off a
few of the main ingredients used in
local cooking: chestnut-tree forests,
olive groves, grape vines, rosemary and
sage bushes, and grazing sheep and
cattle.
Tuscans pride themselves on their olive
oil, which is highly valued outside the
region. The olive groves are bountiful
and, due to the climate and location,
the soil is very fertile. Olive oil,
made, mostly, from green, extra virgin
olives, is generously used in most
meals, either in cooking or for dipping
and dressing. Because of this, their
sauces are not as heavy as is the trend
in many of the surrounding regions.
A true wine connoisseur would be
familiar with at least one wine from
Tuscany. During ancient times, Italy,
especially Etruscan Tuscany, was known
as “Entoria” (land of wine). Today, some
of the world’s most renowned wines hail
from Tuscany. Some of the more famous
wines are Chianti, Sangiovese, Brunello
and Super Tuscans, but these are only a
few of the regions vast selection.
Aside from olive oils and wine, Tuscany
also produces a wide array of cheese,
pecorino being their prime choice.
During September and October, in San
Miniato, white truffles are harvested.
Many Tuscan meat dishes are comprised of
wild game, including duck, rabbit, boar
and tripe. Beef does not carry much
weight in Tuscan cooking, even though
steak Florentine, a thick steak cooked
over coals and flavored with only olive
oil and light seasonings of salt, pepper
or garlic, is one of Tuscany’s most well
known dishes.
As you can see, Tuscany lives up to its
reputation. The Italian culture has been
called “dolce vida”, the “sweet life”.
Tuscans truly realize that name with
their slow, laid-back, country-style
life. Food is truly at the heart of
their economy and their everyday lives.
A home-cooked meal is not a rare
commodity in this region, and is never
under-appreciated or taken lightly.
Tuscan society is rare in our world
today and should be experienced with
great relish.
THE TASTE OF ITALY
Foods of
Italy
Italy has over 20 different
regions, each with its own specialties.
A Gourmet’s
Paradise
Learn more about
Tuscany’s unique
flavors which
make it a prime
locale for food
lovers
everywhere.
Glossary of
Terms
View a glossary
of cooking terms
often used in
Italian recipes.
