Regional Fare Through A Sicilian Lens
Italians are known for their food, and each region of the country has its own cuisine and dishes influenced by what the land offers to them. Their approach to food focuses on eating locally, regionally, and seasonally.
Sicilian cuisine is heavily influenced by its landscape as well as its Spanish, Greek, and Arab historical connections. Etna creates fertile soil which leads to ideal growth for both uncultivated and farmed vegetation. Fichi d’india (prickly pear), melanzane (eggplant), mandorle (almonds), castagne (chestnuts), olive (olives), uva (grapes), agrumi (citrus), and pistacchi (pistachios) are just some of the ingredients the land offers. These flavors appear on menu after menu and dish after dish.
Although Italy is one of the leaders in organic agriculture, Sicilians eat based on locality and take advantage of local and foraged ingredients. Fruit trees are woven into the land to pick. Seafood is bought from small-scale fishermen instead of large vessels with bi-catch. A local knows a neighbor with tomatoes or has a go-to winery to fill liters of house Etna wine. Not every situation is like this but the instinct is to go local and know where their food is coming from. Perhaps this is what makes everyone who visits Italy dream about their food even after they leave.
How Do Connect To What’s On Your Plate?
Italians prioritize their food. Even with rising prices they are looking to cut costs in other ways, according to a recent article.
While this might not be the case for everyone, there's something to learn from Italian’s deep connection to food: where it comes from, and the impact it has on people and the planet. What would deepening your connection to food look like?
Making a special weekly meal instead of eating out or just “throwing it together”
Getting basil/herb plants or sprouts to grow at home
Cooking a family recipe or a meal from your heritage
Eating with the seasons (September recs: figs, arugula, eggplant, sweet potatoes, apples, spinach, pears, blackberries, broccoli)
Shopping at farmers market and getting to know your local growers
Trying a regional ingredient you have not before
Learning about your local landscape
Look into community garden plots
Dining at restaurants that support local food sourcing
Eating local meat or freshly caught sustainable seafood