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