The higher temperatures of the summer season may be putting even the most experienced chefs to the test. But as we all know, preparing and eating good food is a sacred ritual for Italians, who, even on the hottest days, require a tasty dish on their tables. 

Among Italy’s favorite summer foods, besides colorful salads with in-season vegetables, tomato-based recipes, cold pasta salads, prosciutto and melon, bruschetta and gelato, is panzanella.  Belonging to the tradition of ‘cucina povera’ (peasant’s cooking), panzanella is a simple dish typical of central Italy, including Tuscany, Le Marche, Umbria, Lazio and Abruzzo.