What's not to love about Apulian cuisine? Or Puglia in general? From its coastline to its wine – both the classic grapes and rediscovered varieties – to its people to its food to everything in between, the land comprising the “heel” of Italy boasts an indescribable allure. 

It's not just Italians who are drawn to it – over the past decade or so, Puglia has risen on the world stage, becoming a popular travel destination for people from all across the globe. Whether you're looking to do a little research before your upcoming trip or plan on cooking Apulian at home, here are seven ingredients essential to Apulian cuisine.