| While some of the most popular dishes associated | | | | wealth of imports found their way into the |
| with the Italian culture include a tempting slice of | | | | kitchens of early Italians, who sent Roman ships |
| pizza and a heaping plate of pasta, there is much | | | | to collect a variety of important foods, including |
| more to the world of Italian cooking. Throughout | | | | wheat, wine, exotic ingredients, and fine spices |
| the many regions in Italy, the distinctive cuisine of | | | | from around the world. Some ships even traveled |
| the Italians shines through in a wide-range of | | | | to faraway locations, such as China, to bring back |
| eating habits, styles of cooking, and selection of | | | | edible resources that catapulted the depth and |
| local ingredients. The changing of the times has | | | | variety of Italian cooking styles. Coastal regions |
| also influenced Italian food, as the meals served in | | | | are known for their developments in delicious fish |
| the pre-Roman era possess both similarities and | | | | and seafood dishes. For example, the island of |
| differences in the cuisine of today. The culinary | | | | Sardinia supplies a more traditional and simple style |
| history of Italy established a reputation more than | | | | of cuisine, which often incorporated delicacies, |
| 2,000 years ago, which includes an illustrious | | | | associated with the sea. Swordfish, lobster, |
| movement during the Roman Empire. Culturally, | | | | anchovies, sardines, and other Mediterranean |
| food preparation was quite important in the past | | | | treats represent Italian cooking of the area. In |
| where flashes of significance have been captured | | | | Sicily (another island region), a great deal of the |
| in the only surviving cookbook (Apicius), which | | | | cooking drew heavily from North African |
| dates back to the first century BC. The spread of | | | | influences. An Arab influence also affected cuisine |
| Italian food diversity began after the fall of the | | | | on the island and within the rest of the south, |
| Roman Empire when individual city states began | | | | especially with the introduction of various spices |
| to uphold separate identities and traditions. Each | | | | and sweets, such as the Sicilian ice cream cake |
| region began to display its own unique way of | | | | called cassata. As for one of the most popular |
| cooking, right down to the formation of a | | | | Italian dishes, while the history books often state |
| meatball to the characteristic cheeses and wine | | | | that pasta was a product of the Chinese brought |
| produced in a locale. The north developed Tuscan | | | | back by Venetian merchant, Marco Polo, it was |
| beef, while black truffles were very popular in | | | | actually a rediscovery of a food item eaten during |
| Marches. Provolone and mozzarella cheeses | | | | Etruscan and Roman times. It is believed that the |
| developed in the south, as well as a host of | | | | first pasta in Italy was made similar to the |
| interesting citrus fruits. Diverse types of bread, | | | | noodles of today - from the same durum wheat - |
| variations in pasta, and varying food preparation | | | | which was cooked in ovens instead of boiled in |
| techniques also differed according to region. The | | | | water. Today, the differences in Italian cooking still |
| southern regions of Italy embrace hard-boiled | | | | show through in the distinctions between the |
| spaghetti, while the north often prefers a soft | | | | north and the south. Each region still carries their |
| egg noodle. Milan is known for their risotto, while | | | | own traditions in cooking that reflects deep |
| Bologna has a deep history regarding tortellini, and | | | | history and culture with a never ending supply of |
| Naples is famous for their pizzas. Over the years, | | | | main courses, appetizers, and desserts that |
| Italian cuisine has greatly evolved in part because | | | | continuously tempts the taste buds. |
| of a wealth of outside influences that have added | | | | For more interesting food facts and great meal |
| to its characteristic flavor and appeal. In the | | | | ideas and a free menu planning report visit Watch |
| beginning, ancient Greek cookery became an | | | | for a great meal planning offer and let me - The |
| integrated part of Italian cuisine. Eventually, a | | | | Menu Mom - help you take care of dinner tonight! |