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Italian cuisine is without question one of the most popular cuisines in the world today, thanks to the strong immigration of Italian people around the world who introduced the fantastic flavour of Italy. From spaghetti to pizza to more sophisticated recipes, Italian food has become the most approachable and easy to consume.
The marriage of food and wine in Italy is probably the most renowned in the world and that's why we have created this brief description. For most, Italian food is related to high carbohydrate foods like pasta and breads.
Italian food and wines offer an array of flavours and colours, and an immense diversity from meats and fish to vegetables with preparation techniques that rival the most intricate and chic. At Italian wine network we look at this ancient connection of food and wine and will help you better understand why the two are so entwined.
A little History
Italian food as it is known today has evolved throughout the centuries of social and political change. Its roots can be traced back to the 4th century BC. The cuisine changed significantly with discovery of the New world which helped shape much of what is known as Italian cuisine today with the introduction of items such as potatoes, tomatoes and bell pepper, which are all central parts of the cuisine but were not introduced in scale until the 18th century.
Ingredients and dishes vary by region. There are many significant regional dishes that have become both national and regional. Many dishes that were once regional, however, have proliferated in different variations across the country in the present day. Wine is also a major part of the cuisine, playing different roles both regionally and nationally with their many variations.
Italian cuisine has evolved extensively over the centuries. Although the country known as Italy today had not officially formed until the 19th century, the cuisine can claim roots going back as far as 4th century BC. Through various influences throughout the centuries, including neighboring regions, conquerors, high-profile chefs, political upheavals as well as the discovery of the New World. Italian cuisine has formed to what is known today as one of the premiere cuisines in the world.
Regional food
Each area has its own proud specialties, primarily at regional level, but also even at provincial and territory level. These regional variances can come from the influence of a bordering country (such as France or Austria), vicinity to the sea or mountains as well as economic progress. Italian cuisine is not only highly regional, but is also distinguished by being very seasonal with high priority placed on the use of fresh, seasonal produce.
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