Puglia is a region waiting to be discovered, starting with its territory rich in history and tradition, surrounded, in some cases, even by important archaeological sites, an area that alternates between the beauty of the coast and the tranquil atmosphere of the countryside, perhaps by visiting a masseria or a centuries-old farm.
Its ability lies in combining simple, authentic ingredients, grown in its own fields or purchased from local producers, which are prepared with the utmost care and using quality raw materials that give them an authentic flavor. These products have made their mark not only on the national market but also on the global one.
From a gastronomic point of view, it has a lot to offer, with many different types of products that satisfy every customer need and request, ranging from the most traditional products to organic, wholegrain, or gourmet ones...
One of the region's specialties is undoubtedly extra virgin olive oil. Numerous olive mills produce high-quality oil, which is then used to make other local specialties, such as pickled vegetables and preserves, or the famous taralli filled with extra virgin olive oil. These, however, are just a few of the vast selection available to tourists.
In Puglia, you can enjoy an excellent wine accompanied by a classic Apulian aperitif, or perhaps take part in a proper lunch. Indeed, one of the other specialties is some of the region's now iconic pasta shapes.
Making pasta is an art form, an ancient tradition, and if you're lucky, you'll even get to see the process firsthand. Pasta can be served with homemade sauces or you might even come across a seafood version.
But there are many other fish-based recipes, especially characteristic of the coastal area, including mussels au gratin, linguine with clams, seafood and octopus.
Puglia is also home to numerous pastures and numerous dairy producers, particularly mozzarella, provolone, caciocavallo, stracciatella, cheese, ricotta, and many other specialties. Apulian dairy products are well-known and appreciated, ranging from fresh to aged. The mozzarella from the Gioia del Colle area and the milk from Putignano are famous, but the products from the rest of the region are equally as delicious.
Great care is taken in selecting high-quality, fresh milk, and in processing, which, unlike industrial products, preserves its authenticity and flavor.
The sun kisses the citrus fruits, especially those from Gargano, which are used to make jams, liqueurs, and much more.
Typical regional sweets are susamelli, carteddate, a fried pastry covered in honey or cooked wine, and “scarcedda”, a typical Easter dessert.
Travelling in Puglia is a a unique experience , a source of wealth and the peculiarity is that it makes the tourist feel at home from the very first moment.