Like the culture of Italy, its cuisine is also diversified. One main reason is that the country has 20 regions that have their flavor. The second big reason is that other countries around invaded the region because it was rich in culture and has fertile land. The influences of these other cultures are seen in many dishes especially Savoiardi.
Chronicle Events Leading to Italian Cuisine Today
They chronicle events that lead to the modern era of Italian cuisine come a very long way. Many dishes like pasta and pizza are the ones that are the oldest, but it started long before these two were made.
Started More Than 2000 Years Ago
The Italian culture is one of the oldest cultures in the world. The most ancient culture is considered to be of China. Italian cuisine is thought by most historians to have existed more than 2000 years BC.
Gained Popularity After Fall of Roman Empire
When the Romans invaded this region; they dominated the culture and even the religion. So when the Roman Empire fell; their grip on the different regions around the world was lost. The people of the Mediterranean Sea belt started to show their true color.
The Earliest Cookbook Known
Although the tradition of cooking food the classic Italian way has been passed down from one generation to the next. But many of the cooking recipes, tips, and other Italian food traditions were mentioned in a cookbook that has survived all these years.
Impact On Various Regions
The vast country of Italy is divided into three main regions and the food in these states there is the influence of the neighboring countries, land, and seascape. So when you are ordering ingredients from online places including Sogno Toscano; make sure that you know which regions they belong to.
Savoiardi In Northern Regions Of Italy
The northern regions of Italy are very much influenced by the countries surrounding them. You will see that French, Switzerland and Austrian influence on the cuisine there. The famous Savoiardi also comes from the north.
Italian Central Part
The majority of the regions of central Italy have one part of its state facing the sea. So it was easy for the foreigners to invade these areas. So various kingdoms especially the Romans attacked.
Southern Regions of Italy
In the southern part of Italy, the Ottoman Empire took hold; so you will see their influence in their dishes. This is especially prominent in the cuisine of Sicily and other smaller islands.
Unification of Italy
It was only after the unification of Italy that the true colors and flavors of Italian cuisine were seen. The different Savoiardi recipes were developed according to the various regions.
Worldwide Cultural Influence On Italian Cuisine
As you dig deeper into the food recipes in various regions; you will see that ingredients from other parts of the world are infused in them.
Dishes Had Greek Influence
Initially, the Greeks were the ones who had the strongest and first influence on Italian cuisine. The modern Italians have their roots within the Greek civilization.
The Romans Had Strong Hold
Then came Roman invaders and conquered the region. The Roman ships that docked on the shores brought exotic ingredients.
Trading with Far Eastern Regions
As the trading expanded further after the fall of the Roman Empire; special ingredients came from the Far East.
Ingredients Brought by Arabs and North Africans
You will find a wide variety of Savoiardi all across Italy. Especially in Sicily and other surrounding islands Arabs and North African countries traded and brought spices and ingredients from the Arabian Peninsula and fertile African lands.