Aperitif in Basilicata!
Basilicata and Lucanian Traditions
Are you in this wonderful land, Basilicata, and have you had the excellent intention of relaxing, perhaps enjoying an aperitif? Or do you want to treat yourself to a Lucanian food-based aperitif comfortably at home? In this mini guide, you will find the answers to your questions. Basilicata, or Lucania, is located in southern Italy, and has always distinguished itself for the vast array of excellent agri-food products produced there. You couldn't have chosen better! This region is renowned throughout the national territory for being the place where some of the best types of local products are born and, above all, thanks to them, also the best Lucanian recipes.
The products of Lucanian cuisine
Basilicata is known for being the region where the best types of cheeses, cured meats, bread, extra virgin olive oil but also legumes and excellent vegetables are produced. Among the most important Lucanian products, some have notable recognitions such as IGP (Protected Geographical Indication) and DOP (Protected Designation of Origin). The countless delicacies that this land can offer you are numerous, so let's not get lost in chatter, but let's see what delicious items there are to savor!
A typical Lucanian product par excellence is the peperone crusco, which means crunchy. A particular variety of sweet peppers with low water content, typical of Senise.In summer, they are harvested and threaded with needle and thread, creating a sort of necklaces that are then exposed to the sun to dry the peppers. Once dried, they can be fried in a pan with extra virgin olive oil, taking care not to burn them. They can then be enjoyed in many ways; excellent for a tasty aperitif, as a crunchy side dish, to season bruschetta, with potatoes, or pasta.
Among the cheeses, the caciocavallo podolico stands out for its fame, which, in addition to being produced in Basilicata, is also found in other regions such as Calabria and Puglia. It is a stretched curd cheese made from the milk of a type of Podolic cow. It will be a must-have in your aperitif, because once you try it, you will be amazed by its unique aroma.Another type of cheese is the Canestrato di Moliterno , which is produced in various areas of Basilicata using cow and goat milk. As can be inferred from its name, its aging takes place in Moliterno. Its flavor is slightly spicy, but if you don't mind that taste, you will truly be impressed!
Among the cured meats, we mention the pezzenta , which is named so for its "poor" origins. In fact, it was and is produced from a mixture of pork, veal, and lamb meat along with various spices.
In addition to cured meats and cheeses, bread is essential for your aperitif, and undoubtedly the one you should choose is the pane di Matera. It is a unique baked product made according to ancient tradition, that is, with water, salt, durum wheat semolina, and, of course, sourdough.
Bread, cold cuts, and cheeses; what is missing is theVulture extra virgin olive oil, produced in the province of Potenza and unmistakable for its color and aroma.
Lucania is a land of a thousand potentials, which is why we cannot fail to mention the IGP Sarconi beans with their sweet flavor and the red eggplants from Rotonda, which are among the most appreciated products of the region. They are characterized by a color similar to that of the tomatoes grown in the Pollino National Park, in the province of Potenza.
An aperitif can only be called such if accompanied by an excellent wine, also from Lucania, also IGP.Aglianico, Falanghina, or a good prosecco accompany the delicacies offered by Basilicata.
Now, what are you waiting for? Enjoy these delicacies right away or use them to create not just a simple aperitif, but a true work of art!
