Yes, you should buy an Italian dictionary, but until then please see our list of important Italian culinary terms. After all, you need to understand what you are eating!
Cured meats have long been a staple in La Cucina Italiana. Historically, there was a need to develop methods of preserving the meat of freshly slaughtered animals. First and foremost, all meats, including pork, beef, goat,... Read More »
Pizza has been an elemental part of Italy’s diet since the Stone Age, when it was baked under the rocks of a fire. Given the limited resources of the time, pizza was far more basic. History of Pizza Seasonings evolved... Read More »
Marco Polo DID NOT return to Italy with pasta from China. This legend is false. In fact, pasta was invented by Italians and has become symbolic of their dedication to perfection and pride in the kitchen. History of Pasta... Read More »
Italian folk legends maintain that the ideal habitat for an olive tree has five true characteristics: sun, stone, drought, silence and solitude. It is no wonder that olive oil has achieved such a special place in the collective... Read More »
Gelato, literally meaning “frozen,” is smooth, round and colorful. Though found around the world, real Italian gelato is created by skilled artisans who take pride in their creations. There are quite a few characteristics... Read More »
There is some debate as to exactly when espresso was invented, but most scholars agree that early steam brewing coffee machines first appeared in the late 19th century. Luigi Bezzera In 1901, Italian inventor Luigi... Read More »
Professional bakeries began appearing in Italy around the 2nd century BC. Schools were put in place to teach technique to aspiring bakers. While Italian desserts today feature many unique ingredients, desserts in earlier... Read More »
Ancient Romans developed cheese-making into a precise art using many of the skills from earlier times. The Romans understood that varying cures and treatments infused their cheese with unique flavors. They were also the first... Read More »
Balsamic Vinegar, derived from the Latin word balsamum, has always been legendary around Italy. In fact, “balsamum” refers to, or is loosely translated as s “an aromatic resin capable of having healing properties.”... Read More »
Rarely is there an Italian meal that does not include bread. Ancient tools and ovens provide proof that man has been making breads for thousands of years. Like many other foods, ancient Romans took the art of... Read More »
