NOT ONLY PASTA E PIZZA…
We know, a lot of people believe that Italians eat only pizza and pasta all day, every day. And for some of us, it’s true! But from north to south, it’s impossible to think about Italian culinary tradition without the mention of “risotto.” In fact, we created many more recipes that have rice as a main ingredient. If risotto makes you think about North Italy, then you may be surprised to learn that “arancino,” the famous rice ball, find its roots in the South, in Sicily. And in the summer, “insalata di riso,” a rice salad made with Mediterranean ingredients, is a must for any Italian!
ORIGINS
Rice came to Europe by way of Asia. When it arrived in Italy, Romans used it more as a spice and for medical purposes. According to many food historians, the cultivation started during the 15th Century, after long periods of epidemics that left the country with many people dead and a shortage of food. The cultivation of rice, thanks to its high productivity, was the answer. Today, Italy produces more rice than any other country in Europe, with 1.6 million tons.
