A tongue-in-cheeck look at Italian Cousine: Fun Facts about Italian Food

When it comes to Italian cooking, if you think it’s all about sauces and pasta, oh boy, are you in for a treat! The world of Italian cuisine is a colourful tapestry woven with rich history, a sprinkle of eccentricity, and enough fun facts to make your grandmother’s lasagna green with envy. So, buckle up, because we’re about to embark on a journey full of flavour through the deliciously bizarre landscape of Italian cooking!

Pizza Margherita

First off, let’s talk about the quintessential Italian dish: pizza. You might think it originated in Italy, and you’d be correct. But did you know that the first pizza was essentially a flatbread eaten by the Greeks? Fast forward to the 18th century, and a baker in Naples had the brilliant idea to add tomatoes on top. Thus, the Margherita pizza was born, named not after a sprightly Italian maiden, but Queen Margherita of Savoy! So, next time you’re sinking your teeth in a slice, just remember you’re honouring a queen. Bow your head in respect—or at least avoid dropping cheese on your shirt.

Speaking of cheese, let’s dive into the gooey goodness of Parmesan. While most of us think all cheeses are created equal, there’s a world of high cheese standards. The only cheese officially called Parmigiano-Reggiano comes from a specific region of Italy, just like how only champagne from the Champagne region can be called “champagne.” That’s right, people —if you’re grating Parmesan that doesn’t meet these requirements, you might as well sprinkle a little sadness on your pasta instead!

Parmesan Cheese chunks

Now, let’s not forget about the treasured culinary tradition of al dente pasta. The name translates to “to the tooth,” which means pasta should have a bite to it—not that we’re testing tooth enamel here. The real kicker? Italians dislike overcooked pasta so much that some chefs scream in horror if you ask for anything “a bit softer.” It’s like asking a cat to take a bath—akin to culinary sacrilege!

Now, if you’re hoping to eat your pasta with a side of superstition, you’re in luck! Many Italians believe that eating an even number of pasta serves (like two or four) brings good luck, while odd numbers (three, five) are a one-way ticket to bad fortune. So, next time you’re at an Italian restaurant, remember to channel your inner mathematician—not just to calculate the bill but to determine how many plates of pasta your luck can handle!

Let’s not overlook the dessert! Who doesn’t adore gelato? This creamy delicacy is not just ice cream pretending to be something special; it’s a whole different ball game. Gelato has less air than traditional ice cream, which makes it denser and fuller of flavour. So basically, when you’re getting your gelato on, you’re not just indulging; you’re participating in a national sport. Who needs the gym when you can lift a brimming cone of salted caramel gelato!

How you should serve gelato

Finally, let’s talk about Italians and their coffee culture. If you think espresso is a casual drink, think again! Italians take their coffee seriously (and they don’t call it “espresso” unless it’s made the Italian way). You’re not likely to find a coffee shop that sells pumpkin spice lattes—you’re more likely to be given the side-eye for even suggesting it!This is for now our last fun fact about Italian food

Making coffee with a Moka machine at home

A presto!