tuscan bread
Tuscan bread, famous for being made without salt, forms the cornerstone of many dishes. This tradition of baking bread without salt dates back to the Middle Ages. During a dispute between the rival city-states of Florence and Pisa, Pisa blocked salt shipments to Florence. Rather than giving in to their competitors' demands, bakers simply removed salt from their bread entirely. This tradition continues today, and you will find that this unsalted Tuscan bread is the basis for many dishes, including the famous 'panzanella', a bread and tomato salad, and 'ribollita', a hearty soup made with bread, beans and legumes. It will. vegetable.
olive oil
In Tuscany, olive oil is more than just an ingredient. It is a culinary and cultural lifeblood. Revered for its versatility and health benefits, this “liquid gold” is a staple in almost every Tuscan cuisine and does more than just taste good.
The olive harvest, typically held in Tuscany from October to December, is a time-honored ritual. Families and farmers enjoy the crisp fall air as they head to the forest to pick olives by hand. This manual harvesting ensures the highest quality as the olives are collected without damage and retain their full flavor profile.
The olives are then pressed, usually within 24 hours of harvest. Cold pressing is the preferred method to ensure the oil retains its natural flavor and health benefits without using heat or chemicals. This process produces the highest quality extra virgin olive oil with low acidity and strong flavor.
Tuscan olive oil is famous for its unique taste and is considered one of the best in the world. They are often bright green in color and have a variety of flavors, from fruity and herbaceous to peppery and slightly bitter. These flavors are influenced by the olive variety, soil, climate and local terroir. Tasting olive oil in Tuscany is similar to tasting wine. It is an experience that stimulates the senses, revealing the complexity and depth of the oil.
Tuscan olive oil is prized not only for its taste but also for its health benefits. Rich in antioxidants and monounsaturated fats, it's a cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet, which has been linked to heart health and longevity. In fact, the widespread use of olive oil in cooking is a key reason why Italy is consistently ranked as one of the healthiest countries.