Typical Lucan Products from the Basilicata Region

For too long, Basilicata has remained unknown to us, but in recent years, thanks also to directors, comedians, singers, artists and food artisans, we are falling in love with this extraordinary land. Not only for the Sassi di Matera, which first Pasolini and then Mel Gibson immortalized in their great cinematographic works on the Passion of Christ. Not even for the most light-hearted Italian film Basilicata Coast to Coast by local author Rocco Papaleo. But the Lucan inhabitants themselves are allowing it, who are becoming very aware of the beauty of their land.

Wine and food artisans who are increasingly proud to belong to Italy and the Italians. This is a rebirth and can be seen during the fairs and food and wine events held in Italy and around the world. There are not many PDO and PGI products in this land but there are many regulations that are emerging and the requests for certification.

The cities we always remember are the regional capital of Potenza and the ancient Matera. But there are also other very beautiful centers such as Pisticci, Melfi, Policoro. These are centers that go from the sea to the mountains, passing through hills and valleys that are narrow and impervious but very colorful, especially in autumn.

Basilicata is the 'ankle' of our beautiful country. It includes regions such as Vulture that have become famous thanks to small realities of the highest value wineries. Then the Lucan Apennines, which remain famous instead for the excellent production of milk for ancient cheeses. Another very special area is the Val d'Agri where viticulture predominates with plantations mainly of international vines.

Basilicata is part of the ancient region of Lucania, which also includes a piece of Campania and Calabria. Lucania takes its name from the ancient Lucan peoples, sons of the hero Lucus, who came from central Italy. Other origins of the name are the term Lucus, sacred forest, Lycos, a Greek term that means wolf, Lyki, a population from Anatolia.

The origin of the name Basilicata, on the other hand, is due to the name of the Basilica of Acerenza, whose bishop had jurisdiction over the entire regional territory, as we know it today. A medieval pearl remains the Castle of Melfi, which seems to have stopped time. But let's move on to talking a bit about typical Lucan products from Basilicata

THE TYPICAL LUCAN PRODUCTS OF BASILICATA

To date, there are only two certified PDO products. Pecorino di Filiano cheese and Rotonda White Beans grown in the Pollino area. PGI products, on the other hand, are represented by a fascinating baked product such as Matera bread, also called croissant for its characteristic shape with a higher part at the top of the form. Then the Sarconi bean and the delicious Canestrato di Moliterno.

One of the most intriguing products that is coming more and more easily to Italian tables is the PGI Senise Pepper, which is left to dry, acquiring a very intense texture and flavor with a sweet spiciness. Excellent to crumble directly on pasta and season only with a little extra virgin olive oil.

The products that are under the Slow Food Presidium are also very interesting. These include the Caciocavallo Podolico from Basilicata, excellent after long refinements in the cellar. The Red Bean written from the Pignola Swamp so named for the red specks found on the skin. Other Presidia include the Baked Ferrandina Olive, the Pear from the Sinni Valley and the Pezzente from the Materana mountain, a cured meat produced with the less noble parts of the Lucanian Black Pig, to which a little spicy sweet Senise pepper is added.

Basilicata will increasingly be a region “under observation” even for us at Spaghetti & Mandolino. He deserves it! All you have to do is discover our range of typical Lucan products for sale online! Enjoy browsing Basilicata and enjoy your meal!