From the banks of the Tigris and the Euphrates, to the coast of the Mediterranean and down into Egypt stretches the Fertile Crescent. Aptly known as the “cradle of civilization,” this land bore witness to many of the earliest human settlements. Historians have documented the development of basic architecture, tools, weapons, agriculture and a reliance upon the foods grown in cultivated fields to as far back as 9,000 B.C.E. Cereals, grasses and grains were among the first crops to be harvested and prepared, usually by grinding them into meal and cooking them over a fire. Grains were also ground into flour for bread, or fermented and brewed into beer. (more…)
Posts Tagged ‘farro’
Magic and Pasta: Poschiavo + Gioie di Fattoria
Posted in Italy, Pasta, Producer Profile, Switzerland, tagged dried pasta, durum semolina, durum wheat, farro, Fisler family, food, fresh pasta, Gioie di Fattoria, Giulio Amadio, kamut, Molino e Pastificio Poschiavo, Parmigiano Reggiano, pasta, pasta fresco, pasta secca, Poschiavo, saragolla, spaghetti, ternetta, tortellini on January 20, 2011 | Leave a Comment »
“Life is a combination of magic and pasta.”
- Federico Fellini
A couple of years ago, I traveled to Bologna to visit a cousin. Based a little ways outside the main city, the family home was situated amidst a gently rolling landscape populated with apricot trees and vineyards. While I was there, I thought to myself that if I ever left the United States for retirement, it might just be to Italy. The weather was wonderful – hot enough to make you want to swim but not hot enough to be unbearable and the food was out of this world! There were a number of firsts on that trip, including my first taste of limoncello. However, one of my most memorable food experiences was tasting fresh tortellini made by a lady just down the road. (more…)




