Bonjour lecteurs! Do you love traveling to a foreign country and discovering its foodie culture? Me too and la cuisine italienne has to be one of my faves in the world. Who can say non to pasta, pizza and all sorts of cheeses!? One place still on my list? Bologna, the capital of Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region as it’s a paradise for food lovers. Called La Grassa (or the Fat One), the culinary heritage is so rich there. Indeed the city offers a gastronomic experience like no other. So here is for you a food tour of Bologna with all the must do’s if you stop there! Bon appétit!
The Art Of Parmesan Cheese
Do you like Parmesan? The famous Parmigiano Reggiano is one of Italy’s most famous cheeses. It’s simply délicieux and a must-have to enjoy some pasta al dente!
The fameux fromage italien is a meticulous blend of tradition and craftsmanship, honed over centuries. Fancy learning more about it?
According to Emilia Delizia the journey begins with the collection of fresh, raw milk from cows that are fed a specific diet of grass and hay.
The milk is then left to rest overnight, allowing the cream to rise to the top. After skimming off the cream, the milk is mixed again with fresh morning milk. The mix is then poured into large copper vats and heated for the fermentation to work. The penultimate stage of making Parmesan is salting it thanks to brine solution (saltwater) for about 20 days.
C’est très important and it’s what will determine the flavour of the cheese and its preservation.
As for the aging, it can last from 12 months to several years? Et voilà! The cheese is ready for you to enjoy after it has been through quality control. Only those that meet strict quality standards are branded with the Parmigiano Reggiano mark.
The Magic Of Balsamic Vinegar
Another Italian ingredient I can’t live without? Balsamic vinegar! It’s a must when you want to impress your guests with the best vinaigrette with your salade!
I always select a balsamic vinegar from Modena for its aroma and richness. And no wonder why it’s the best. It just bring so much taste to your food or even with some bread.
If you get to visit Bologna, you can actually stop by a acetaia (vinegar cellar) in Modena and learn more about the production process. Acetaia di Giorgio, Acetaia Malpighi, and Acetaia Giusti are some of the best places to explore. These historic sites provide guided tours that delve into the traditional methods of producing balsamic vinegar. You can even go for a tasting session and try different ages of balsamic vinegar, each with its unique flavour profile.
The Delicacy of Prosciutto
Another delicatessen that you must try while in Bologna is its Prosciutto. Prosciuttificio Leonardi is one of the renowned producers where you can experience the art of prosciutto making.
Par exemple, take a guided tour at Prosciuttificio Leonardi and learn how they make it, from the selection of the meat to the curing and aging process. With historical insights and traditions passed through generations, you will get to taste some of the finest prosciutto.
C’est un classique! I like mine in a sandwich or even in some salad or on a pizza. But you can try some of the famous ham paired with local wines and other regional delicacies so that you get the full experience!
Ready To Visit Bologna?
So who is salivating right now and ready to embark on a foodie tour in Bologna?
Spring and Autumn are the most populaire times of the year to visiter la région as it is less busy than in the Summer. Plus the temperatures are also cooler then.
However, if you wanted to get the full Italian experience, then book your trip between June and August and enjoy temperatures reaching up to 30°C. It’s also idéal to stop by the numerous festivals in the area then.
However, prices might be higher in the summer, and winter is rather charming too. Plus, if you go to Bologna between November and January, you will also experience all the Christmas and New Year’s celebrations then.
A Food Tour Of Bologna
There is nothing better than trying the local food when you go abroad. It just makes the whole trip so much better.
Bologna is very much on my list in the next few years. I would love to go there and see the oldest university still in operation to these day. But I would also love to check out its culinary scene which is a clear mix of traditions, craftmanship and passion.
J’adore all the food I mentioned in this post. Indeed, goodies such as Parmigiano and Prosciutto were part of my childhood as my maternal grandmother is Italian 🙂
Whatever time of the year you visit Bologna, I have no doubt you will have une experience délicieuse thanks to its numerous treats to eat and drink.
Bon voyage et Buon Appetito!
Disclosure: Collaboration, pics are from Pexels.
