If you are spending time in Tuscany, trying delicious local dishes and delicacies is bound to be on the top of your to-do list. This should be no different if you happen to be spending Christmas in Tuscany.
Forget your regular traditions for once and, instead, truly immerse yourself in Tuscan foodie culture – you won't regret it! To help you out, we've put together a guide to some of the dishes, treats and sweets that you should keep an eye out for on your trip.
Tuscany's hearty cuisine is perfectly suited for the weather in Winter. One of the most cherished dishes is Zuppa di Farro, or Farro Soup. Farro is a grain not unlike spelt which is readily available in Italy but less common elsewhere.
Forget your regular traditions for once and, instead, truly immerse yourself in Tuscan foodie culture – you won't regret it! To help you out, we've put together a guide to some of the dishes, treats and sweets that you should keep an eye out for on your trip.
Tuscany's hearty cuisine is perfectly suited for the weather in Winter. One of the most cherished dishes is Zuppa di Farro, or Farro Soup. Farro is a grain not unlike spelt which is readily available in Italy but less common elsewhere.
The recipe originated in Lucca and the Garfagnana area and is both nutritious and delicious. Find a luxury villa in the Lucca-Garfagnana area and warm up after exploring the streets, Christmas markets, sights, attractions and shops of Lucca this festive season.
Another popular Tuscan food around the Christmas period are Cantuccini. Often called biscotti, these are Italian biscuits that are known the world over and are one of the most popular Italian treats internationally. In fact, you'll often find them served in cafés all over the world when you order a coffee.
They are often considered a creation of the city of Prato though there are suggestions that they may have been invented elsewhere.
Another popular Tuscan food around the Christmas period are Cantuccini. Often called biscotti, these are Italian biscuits that are known the world over and are one of the most popular Italian treats internationally. In fact, you'll often find them served in cafés all over the world when you order a coffee.
They are often considered a creation of the city of Prato though there are suggestions that they may have been invented elsewhere.
However, the word “cantuccini”, as used in Tuscany specifically, tends to indicate a particular kind of biscotti, a variation on the traditional recipe which tends to be longer, less dry, have larger rusks and consist of bread dough enriched with olive oil and anise seeds. Once you've found a luxury villa in Prato, why not grab one with a coffee as you take in the bustling Christmas crowds of shoppers and the lovely surroundings?
These are, of course, just two of many popular Tuscan foods that are served during, and connected to, the Christmas period but there are many more to choose from. Read on to our next post for some other dishes that you won't want to miss out on!
These are, of course, just two of many popular Tuscan foods that are served during, and connected to, the Christmas period but there are many more to choose from. Read on to our next post for some other dishes that you won't want to miss out on!
Photo credits
picture 3: Twice25 / CC BY-SA 2.5
picture 3: Twice25 / CC BY-SA 2.5
