Tuscan Food

Tuscany in Italy is famous for its scenery, its artwork and its architecture. From Botticelli’s Primavera to the Leaning Tower of Pisa, from Leonardo Da Vinci to the Palio, Tuscany has it all. What it is not very famous for is its cuisine. Tuscan food and wine is some of the most flavorsome cuisines to come out of Italy. Chianti and Brunello wines are beginning to appear in wine merchants across the globe and Tuscan food is coming with them.

Having family ties in Tuscany I have been able to sample the delights of this regions food for many years and it never ceases to amaze me. Until the wine explosion in the late nineties, which is still lasting today, the only places in Tuscany visited were Pisa and Florence. Now San Gimingnano, Siena and Montalcino are all on the tourist map. Because of this tuscan food is becoming more popular globally.

Many of the recipes found in today's restaurants in Tuscany originate from the peasant recipes of 80 years ago. Pansanella (bread salad), Zuppa di Fagoli ( Bean Soup) are both originally from peasant rather than royal origins.

At the heart of tuscan cookery lie three fundamental ingredients: bread (; extra-virgin olive oil, without any doubt the best even for frying, as long as you only use it once; lastly, wine. 

Clearly the success of such a simple and natural style of cooking depends on a great extent on the freshness and quality of the ingredients. This is especially important for vegetables and salad produce which, if left in the fridge for too long, will loose both their flavor and their vitamin content.

To savor the rich experience of Tuscan food, one must forget for a while the culture of fast food, eating on the run and processed food in general. Tuscan food needs to be savored, the delicate flavors which are combined need to be enjoyed with friends over a couple of bottles of red wine.

For an authentic tuscan food you may wish to try these recipes from food ideals.

• Crostata di Marmellata - Traditional italian styled tart usually eaten after coffee, or for breakfast.
• Ciambellone - Italian styled sponge cake .
• Zuppa Di Fagioli - Tuscan bean soup
• Pomodori Ripieni - Stuffed tomato's with egg