ITALIAN THROWBACK

The Cradle of All Things Yum!

A GASTRONOMIC JOURNEYHave you ever wondered how celebrated, even revered, cuisines like French and Italian came to be? Sit back and prepare your taste buds for a journey through time! Learn how modern Italian cuisine came to be and where our beloved pizza and pasta dishes come from.

Source: http://www.calabriamillbury.com/menu.html Brought to you by AIMS Institutes

BANQUETS

Over two thousand years ago, the rich would eat feasts made from imported goods including:Ostrich meat flavoured with exotic spices from the Middle EastRed wine mixed with honeyExotic fish sauces from the Mediterranean SeaImperial Rome spawned the first known cookbook – Apicius: De re coquinaria

It’s no surprise that refined Italian cuisine began to develop within the all powerful Roman empire. It was the elite that held banquets, through which many new complicated dishes and flavours were introduced.

Source: http://ancienthistory.about.com/od/romanfood/p/RomanMeals.htm Brought to you by AIMS Institutes

BARBARIAN INTRUSIONInvaders from central and north Europe and some even from Tibet affected the Romans’ culinary habits. These

Barbarians introduced butter and

beer to the Roman diet. With the Empire collapsing around them, their dishes became simpler.Roasted meatProducts made from locally grown wheat (farro)

Source: http://foodblogga.blogspot.in/2010/04/recipe-for-springtime-farro-with-baby.html

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ARABIAN DELIGHTSThe Arabs’ presence in Sicily during 9th

century still shows through in the island’s cuisine today. They introduced:Macaroni and dry pastaCitrus fruits like oranges and lemonsSpinach and rice

Source: http://larosaworks.com/new_york_sicilian_food_wine_travel_group.php Brought to you by AIMS Institutes

OVERSEAS FORAGINGWhile exploring the New World in the 15th and 16th centuries, Italian sailors brought back:Tomatoes and potatoesSugar caneMaizePeppers and spicesCoffee and tea

These were incorporated into Italian cuisineThe maize was turned into polenta, popular even todaySpices enabled meat preservationSugar was used to create candied fruits and nuts

Source: http://www.theurbanjournal.co.uk/image/132791683767 Brought to you by AIMS Institutes

CATHERINE DE MEDICIOriginally from Florence, Catherine became the queen of France in the 16th century.She was a food ambassador who introduced the Renaissance cuisine to the French elite.She brought them:Lettuce and artichokesTrufflesFrozen desserts

Source: http://www.kleio.org/en/history/famtree/vip/abb40x/?gallery Brought to you by AIMS Institutes

NORTHERN INFLUENCEIn the 18th century, France and Austria ruled certain regions in northern Italy.

As a result of their cuisine, ‘fresh pasta’ was popularized in the region, becoming a luxury item.Adding cream, eggs and cheese while making fresh pasta gave the city of Bologna its own unique cuisine.This influence is still seen in dishes like lasagna and tortellini.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lasagne Brought to you by AIMS Institutes

FROM POVERTY TO PIZZAWhile the cities in the northern Italy flourished, the south was cut off from trade routes.

Tomatoes, thought before to be poisonous began to be widely used by the poor in cities such as Naples.Cooked dough with mozzarella and tomatoes began appearing on the streets of Naples

‘Antica Pizzeria Port’Alba’ was born in the 19th century and is the first pizzeria that is still around today!

Source: http://www.pizzanapoletana.org/showassoc_eng.php?id=140

UNIFICATIONMid 19th century, Italy was unified. This lead to trade and sharing of cuisine leading to cookbooks like:

The Science of Cooking and the Art of Eating Well – a collection of typical household recipes of the time.

Source: http://www.lifeinitaly.com/italian-food-0

GLOBALIZATIONWith less regional and political unrest, Italy shared its cuisine with Europe and the rest of the world. Rooted in its past, Italy’s modern cuisine and Italian culinary schools continue to be a reflection of the civilization’s history and culture.

This is why pasta, balsamic vinegar and olive oil have now become the main ingredients in many delicious dishes.

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xv2OQF7iCMI

CULINARY COACHINGFeel inspired to learn more about Italian cuisine? Some of the best culinary schools in India will urge you into this rich culinary world. Set off on your gastronomic adventure today!

Source: http://www.alma.scuolacucina.it/en/news/alma_news/alma-viva-2013-successo-italian-culinary-festival.aspx

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