The Food Of Umbria

Thursday, May 26, 2011
Posted in: Central Italy Food and Wine Products & Specialities Umbria
Black Truffles from Umbria
Anyone traveling to Italy already knows they will be treated to a host of delicious dishes and delicacies, but they may not be aware of the particulars.  While a region may share flavors and traditions with neighboring regions, you will find that each has its own personality.

Coming from local traditions and the ingredients readily available, the people of Umbria have molded the Italian cuisine to fit their palette. If you are thinking about renting a vacation rental in Umbria, then why not avail of free assistance from our villa specialists?

If you want to stay in the capital of Umbria, be sure to take a look at our article on Perugia as well.
Gnocchi with boar sauce
One of the culinary delights you will come across while you stay in Umbria is the Tartufi Neri truffles.  They are very popular in Umbrian cuisine and can be found very often in the autumn months around harvest season. The earthy flavours given off by this very valuable fungus adds a depth to any pasta dish.  

Typically sliced and severed over long, thick pasta such as strangozzi.  Unlike its cousin the white truffle, the black Tartufi are not so delicate and can be cooked into sauces, spread over crostini, or as is popular near Assisi: in an omelet. But that is not to say they must be cooked to be enjoyed.  They can be sliced thin and severed raw with a carpaccio as well if you want to get the true flavour of the truffle.

Cinghiale is another perfect example of making the best of what is around you.  The cinghiale, or wild boar, is ubiquitous on menus across Umbria, and rightfully so.  The meat is of course very close to pork that most people have tasted, but also includes a rich flavor and very tender meat when prepared properly.  

It is most often made into a ragu for pasta or stewed in a sauce.  The meat is rarely aged as it does not do so well, but this will insure that your dish is fresh and will always be delicious.  This fact also led to the popular salami di cinghiale, as it provided a way to preserve the meat before refrigeration, but the salami is still very popular to this day.
Farro and Roasted Butternut Squash
Farro refers to a variety of different grains, due to the similarities of them it is often used colloquially for any of them. The grain is sometimes graded into farro piccolo, farro medio, and farro grande or einkorn, emmer, and spelt respectively.  Regardless, the differences are not great but the flavour truly can be.  

What was once a staple of the common people in ancient times can still be found on many menus today.  You will find it sometimes used it salads, combined with roasted vegetables, or the classic zuppa di farro. The zuppa offers an experience that is distinctly Umbrian, with rich and nutty flavours to warm your bones on a chilly afternoon in the hills.

These are just a few examples of things to enjoy while you are visiting Umbria, but this is obviously not the end of the Umbrian cuisine. While you visit, be sure to explore the little cafes and restaurants you see and get a real taste of Italy for yourself.

If you are interested in renting a villa with swimming pool in Umbria, please contact our villa specialists and they will begin searching for the perfect vacation rental for you and your group!

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