Home > The Tastes of Tradition
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The tastes of tradition Abruzzo is a fascinating region; visitors have the possibility to discover a variety of different tastes and fragrances, from the pastoral and agricultural products that come from the uncontaminated areas in the mountains, to the many natural products on offer from the Adriatic sea. Both combine to offer a rich and generous land. Olive cultivation, which produces one of the best quality extra virgin olive oils in Italy, is spread throughout the region, as a witness to the historical and cultural tradition of local food and to the people of the Abruzzo region. A large number of extra virgin oil producers are committed to giving value to local varieties of extra virgin olive oil, such as: “Dritta” from Loreto Aprutino, “Gentile” from Chieti, “Toccolana”, “Carboncella”, “Tortiglione”, “Castiglionese” and “Leccino”. These varieties give origin to three DOP olive oils (protected origin denomination): “Aprutino-Pescarese”, the “Colline Teatine” and the most recent “Pretuziano Colline Teramane”. Another traditional product from Abruzzo is saffron, which is considered to be one of the most precious spices. The one produced in the L’ Aquila area on the Navelli plain, between the “Gran Sasso” and the “Massiccio del Sirente” mountains is DOP (protected origin denomination). Thanks to the mild climate and to the favourable environmental conditions, Abruzzo is a generous grower of cereals and pulses. Several varieties of beans, grass-peas and mountain lentils are produced. The lentils from “Santo Stefano di Sessanio” are especially famous. In the mountainous areas of L’ Aquila, on the hills in Corvara, Guardiagrele and Teramo, “spelt” is also produced. Since XIX century Abruzzo has been the homeland of one of the most celebrated Italian pasta factories. Located in Fara San Martino, a village on the eastern side of the Maiella Mountain, beside the pure flowing water of the Verde River, this factory reaches every world market with its products. Abruzzo woods and moun-tains are also rich of excellent mushrooms and truffles, although the region is not yet well known for these products. Sheep-farming, dairy and agriculture, also belong to the local tradition and have always ensured a thriving economy for the region. |
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