Food - Drink
Emilia Romagna: The Italian Region Food Lovers Should Visit
By CYRENA GOURDEAU
Italy is known for its rich history and spectacular food, and while it is a small country, each region has its own culinary specialties. The area of Abruzzo is famous for its meat and cheese, while Le Marche is known for Ancona spicy fish stew, but one region that's a paradise for food lovers is Emilia Romagna.
Famous Italian foods like Parmigiano Reggiano and Prosciutto di Parma come from Emilia Romagna, and the region is even home to museums dedicated to gelato, oil, pasta, cold meats, and wine. Emilia Romagna also boasts 44 PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) and PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) food products.
Foods protected under PDO or PGI are only authentic if produced in a certain area, and Emilia Romagna is the only place to taste famous cured meats, balsamic vinegar, and pastas such as tortellini and lasagna, all in their freshest form. You can even sample Lambrusco, a fizzy dark wine that is considered to be the oldest in the region.