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4-09-2008
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Truffles Abruzzo is a leading Italian truffle producer: for years it was overshadowed by the historically more established markets of Alba and Norcia, but the region is now coming into its own with prime crops. Marsica,Teramo, upper L’Aquila and the mid-Sangro valley are the main production areas. Apart from being used in cooking, the precious tuber is also used to aromatize sausages, oils and cheeses.
Saffron The heart of one of Abruzzo’s most interesting traditional products is on the Navelli plateau, between the Gran Sasso and the Sirente massifs. L’Aquila PDO saffron is made from the stigma of Crocus sativus, left whole and dried, and taken from flowers grown in the municipalities of Navelli, Civitaretenga, Caporciano, San Pio delle Camere and Prata d’Ansidonia: it is said to be the best in the world.
Honey Excellent and aromatic honey is produced almost everywhere in Abruzzo, which is a leading manufacturer.The tastiest varieties include those made from thyme, chestnut and acacia blossom.
Patisserie Traditional patisserie in Abruzzo includes mostaccioli, caggiunitt’, ferratelle or nèole, cicerchiata, zèppole and taralli, all of which were once only made by hand at home, but nowadays they can be purchased from bakers and patisseries. Confectionery worth sampling includes Sulmona sugared almonds, L’Aquila chocolate nougat and libretti (made with dried figs) found in Chieti and the province of Teramo. Another characteristic cake is the Parrozzo, much extolled by Gabriele d’Annunzio, and there are also two types of bocconotto: the Frentano recipe and the Teramo recipe.
Abruzzo Promozione Turismo - Corso V. Emanuele II, 301 - 65122 Pescara - Email info@abruzzoturismo.it