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A Taste of Veneto: Delicacies You Have to Try in Veneto

cold meats in italy

Getting a taste of Veneto can be a surreal experience. Veneto is the home of many local produce and delicacies that lend the region its unique identity. The variety of foodstuff here gives visitors many reasons to try out the regional dishes, some of which can only be found here. Much of this variety is thanks to the contrasting landscape that can be found here. From the snowy peaks of the Dolomites to the shores of the Adriatic Sea, different types of produce and dishes have been cultivated and created throughout the centuries. It’s no wonder why people regard Veneto as a gastronomic haven.

If you’re wondering just what kind of tasty treats can be found here, continue reading our list below.

Cheeses

The Veneto region is well known for its assortment of specialty cheeses. The demand for such cheeses is so high across Europe that people flock from all over just to get a taste. One of their most popular cheeses is the Asiago. It comes in two varieties: the ripened “d’allevo” style and the fresh “pressato” style. Each differs in the way that they are both processed and aged. Both styles have a distinct flavor and look, with the “pressato” taking on a lighter color and having a somewhat sweet flavor compared to its “d’allevo” counterpart.

There are many other types of cheeses that are distinct to the region. These include popular cheeses like Casatella Trevigiana, Grana Padano, Montasio, Monte Veronese Piave and Provolone Valpadana.

Cold Meats

Next on the list of delicacies are the sumptuous selections of hams from the region (which, coincidentally, goes perfectly with cheese). And what type of cold meat is more inherently Italian than the prosciutto? This ham takes its name from the process of how it is made. Coming from the Latin word “perexuctus”, which means “drained”, there are many recipes for prosciutto that go all the way back to the sixteenth century. Veneto Berico is the local variant, which employs a rigid process of salting, ham weighing and aging conditions to get right. The entire process can take up to 24 months, but the result is an elegant and full-bodied taste that is unparalleled compared to other cold meats.

Another popular cold meat is the local sausage known as Sopressa Vicentina, which is the culmination of local cultural and rural gastronomic traditions. The pigs used follow a strict diet of top quality cereals, with the best cuts selected after they are slaughtered. The final seasoning gives the meat a delicate flavor that is sweet yet savory.

Fruits and Vegetables

The region has a veritable cornucopia of fresh produce that is highly regarded throughout the country. Vegetables like radicchio, asparagus, legumes, rice and garlic are considered to be highly traded commodities. There are various variants of radicchio or Italian chicory that are cultivated in different areas of the region in their own unique ways. Each one has a distinct look to them and even have varying degrees of taste and crispness. Similarly, asparagus is also a local delicacy that is grown in different regions throughout Veneto.

In terms of fruits, Veneto isn’t lacking in those either. There are a wide selection of high quality peaches and cherries that are grown here. The Verona Peach is grown only in Verona and boasts a beautifully velvet skin that goes well with its delicate taste. The Marostica cherries are hand-picked, ensuring its quality and allowing it to maintain its flavor and consistency.

Other notable produce includes the production of Venetian rice, which is a key ingredient in many traditional dishes.

As Italian delicacies go, you definitely can’t go wrong with Veneto. With a wealth of foodstuff and ingredients that can only be found in the region, it offers a unique flavor that overflows with cultural identity. If you happen to visit Veneto, then why not treat your palate to some of these tasty treats.

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By Priscila (266 Posts)

Priscila Siano is the Marketing Director of Tour Italy Now, an online tour operator specializing in Italy travel. She's a respected expert on making dream Italy vacations a reality for clients.

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