What is the “Year of Italian Food”?
The steadily growing demand for good Italian food and food is reflected in the outstanding exports that Italy received over €38 billion last year, according to the Italian Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forestry. “Just as 2016 was the ‘Year of the Trails’ and the ‘National Year of the Villages’ in 2017, 2018 will be the ‘Year of Italian Food’,” Dario Franceschini, Italy’s Minister of Cultural and Tourism Affairs, announced. “With this decision we want to honor the excellent Italian specialties and their diversity, which are a great investment in the image of our country in the whole world”.
Emilia-Romagna in particular – considered a “culinary treasure trove” – has many delicacies to offer!
Why is Emilia-Romagna considered Italy’s greatest gastronomic treasure?
Emilia-Romagna offers a veritable gastronomic journey through cheese, meat, pasta, wine and all the products that represent the Italian culinary tradition. Guests can embark on a trip through the picturesque countryside and art cities of the region along the ancient Roman Road Via Emilia, to sample every culinary delight.
- 44 DOP and IGP products;
- 33 DOP and IGP wines;
- 15 Slow Food Presidia;
- 21 Michelin-stars restaurants (one with 3 stars, two with 2 stars and eighteen with 1 star);
- 33 Bib Gourmand restaurants, the Michelin quality restaurants under 35€;
- First (since 2016) UNESCO City of Gastronomy in Italy – Parma, at the heart of the Food Valley;
- World Cheese Awards (Nov 2017) officially named Parmigiano Reggiano the most awarded DOP certified cheese in the world.
- Opening of FICO Eataly World in Bologna – Over 100,000 m² food theme park offering visitors the highest culinary taste experience.
- 25 Museums of Taste that tell the story, the production process and many curiosities about Emilia- Romagna’s most typical and famous foods: Parmigiano Reggiano, Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena, Fossa Cheese, Cervia Sweet Salt, Brisighella Oil, Castel de lRio Chestnut, Comacchio Eel… but also honey, potatoes, tomatoes and fruits.
- Among these special museums there are also Casa Artusi in Forlimpopoli, the very first centre of gastronomic culture devoted to Italian home cookery
Take a food journey along the Via Emilia!