Indulging in the Traditional Cheese and Bread of Umbria

Indulging in the Traditional Cheese and Bread of Umbria
By Jonathan Magoni

If you're planning a holiday to Italy, why not consider the stunning region of Umbria? Villas in this central region of the country make a perfect base to explore the history, culture and tastes of this much-loved nation. While many people visit Tuscany - and well they should - fewer include this wonderful region on their itinerary. It is a great shame to miss it, as it is certainly one of the most interesting places in the country.

When you are staying in Umbria, villas around the area will allow you the freedom to explore the history, which dates back to the Bronze Age; but although the historical aspects of the region are indeed fascinating, the landscape and 'foodie' culture has so much to offer.

For those travelling to this part of Italy with food on their mind, the most basics of the traditional cuisine lies in the very particular varieties of cheese and bread.

Cheeses

Though the food of the region is considered simple peasant cooking, it is still indulgently fresh and tasty. With the inclusion of local truffles in many dishes, as well as some unique cheeses, there is a certain richness to the food of Umbria. Villas situated anywhere throughout the area will afford you the independence and time to sample a wide range of the cuisine. In some of the smaller villages, you'll be able to get your hands on varieties of local artisanal cheeses that are only produced in small quantities. However, if you're not overly daring in your tastes, you may enjoy the beautifully mild pecorino cheese, which is made slightly differently in different parts of the region - it's interesting to see if you can taste the subtle differences.

For something really decadent, you must sample the cheeses made with local white and black truffles, which are superb in pasta dishes. For something truly unique to the area, try the products from the region of Norcia, where the cheese is made from a mix of cow and sheep milk, then aged in the field to soak up the flavours of the grass and herbs.

Breads

Of course, he who eats cheese must also eat plenty of bread to accompany it, and in this region you'll be spoiled for choice - if you thought bread was bread, you may have to think again! Many of the local breads are salt-free, due to the salt tax that was imposed by the Pope in the 16th century. The Umbrian people had to bake bread without salt as a necessity, and it's a tradition that continues today. While it may sound less than appealing, when eaten with other foods as an accompaniment to a meal, it is the perfect neutral taste - normal bread will never taste the same once you've gone salt free.

You should also make sure you try the torta al testo, which is a simple flat bread baked in a griddle pan and sometimes stuffed with meats and cheeses. For a sweet breakfast bread, head to the local deli and your hands on a loaf of walnut bread to take back to your Umbria villas to enjoy with your morning coffee. Lastly, you might be lucky enough to sample the torcoletti. Made with pecorino cheese baked into a ring-shaped loaf, there are few tastier and simpler treats to be found anywhere.

Jonathan Magoni is Senior Manager of Cottages to Castles, a family owned company specialising in high quality holiday villas, apartments and cottages in Italy. For spectacular Umbria villas or accommodation in the Italian lakes, ski resorts or city centres, we offer only the very best. Discover Italy at your own pace and without time restrictions in our hand picked villas and cottages.

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