Typical Apulian products
A holiday in Puglia isn't just a journey to discover crystal-clear seas or ancient cathedrals: it's also a culinary journey through simple, authentic flavors that reflect the locals' simplicity and love for authenticity.
Among the most typical products, Puglia boasts oil , wine And Almonds . These are products derived from the extremely fertile Apulian soil. Thousands and thousands of hectares of olive trees, almond trees, and vines can be admired as we wander through the Apulian countryside or travel along roads like the Via Appia Traiana. If you ever find yourself on a sunny day, with the wind in your hair and your hand out the window of your car, exploring the Apulian countryside, and you'd like to learn more about the centuries-old trees you're observing and their prized products, this is the article for you!
The oil
It's impossible not to mention Puglia's green gold: oil.
Apulian extra virgin olive oil is obtained from centuries-old olive trees, majestic trunks with extravagant shapes that will catch your attention.
During the winter season, the olives are harvested and taken to the mills for pressing. After a complex process, the oil is ready.
Its color ranges from greenish to golden yellow. Its flavor depends on the countless varieties of olives grown in the various areas, and can range from slightly spicy and tingling to extremely sweet and fruity.
Whatever its characteristics, olive oil is loved and used throughout the world. To best enjoy it and discover its refined flavor, we recommend enjoying it on a slice of fresh bread with salt and a few fresh cherry tomatoes: you'll fall in love instantly!
The wine
To accompany your tasting, a good glass of wine is a must, another superb product of this wonderful land. Apulian viticulture is an ancient tradition: the Romans were already passionate about it! White, red, rosé: there's truly something for everyone.
Among the most renowned white wines in Puglia, there is certainly Fiano
and Moscato Bianco—produced from native grape varieties—and Chardonnay. As for wines made from red grapes, Negramaro, Primitivo, and Nero di Troia are very popular in Puglia. As for rosés, the progenitor of Italian rosé wines is a Puglian wine, Five Roses Salento, and Calafuria Salento was ranked among the ten best rosés by the American magazine Wine Spectator.
Apulian wine is a very versatile product: it pairs perfectly with both more sophisticated dinners based on fish or meat carpaccio, as well as with more indulgent meals such as focaccia or pizza.
The almonds
To finish your Apulian aperitivo, you can't miss a dessert made with organic Apulian almonds. Almonds are another authentic product of Puglia. Round or elongated, sweet or bitter: here too, you're spoiled for choice! Most Apulian farmers love growing organic almonds, using techniques that respect the environment we live in and do not harm the nature that provides us with these precious fruits.
Almonds are a very versatile product. They are used in cooking, especially in pastry making, to create delicious desserts like amaretti, castagnelle baresi, and cantucci, and are especially popular during the Easter season. They are also excellent toasted or savory. Almonds are a staple in any Mediterranean diet, as they are beneficial for the body and contain vitamins.
But that's not all! Almonds can be used to make barley water, almond milk, ice cream, granitas, confetti, nougat, or even beauty products like shampoo or body lotion.
In short, what Puglia has to offer is truly so much, delicious, and above all authentic. It's a true expression of "from the land to the table!"
Source: Nonno Michele Editorial Staff