Environment and Climate

Environment & Climate Related to Food

Italy is characterized by its wide variation in landscape, environment, and climate, and each of these aspects play a key role in shaping the cuisine that is present there. The diversification in elevation zones, ranging from plain, hill, sea, and mountain level, creates several different environments for food to be produced in. The Tyrrhenian Sea is on the south-western corner of the country, while the Adriatic Sea is on the north-eastern side (1). In the south-eastern area is the Ionian Sea and the Ligurian Sea is located in north-west Italy. The Alps and the Apennines are Italy's two major mountain ranges, and Mount Vesuvius and Mount Etna are two volcanoes located in this diverse country. In addition to the mountains and seas, the Italian plains, or Padan plain, contains the Po, which is the longest river in Italy (2).

Santo Stefano-Valdobbiadene in Northern Italy. Courtesy of Gito Trevisan.


Each elevation zone plays a significant role in the process of food production. For example, the sloping hills create a constant dry breeze, which makes it an ideal location for curing and aging pork products (2). The lakes and waterways provide freshwater fish, ducks, and wild birds for consumption. Most southern meals include a pasta, while the north is more likely to have gnocchi, risotto and polenta dishes with much less tomato because of the decreased ability to produce abundant tomatoes because of the landscape and climate. However, the inlands also have a rich specialty farming tradition because they have many crops that are difficult to find elsewhere, such as farro or saffron (3). The steeper slops also allow for increased chestnuts stands, which allow for a wonderful treat or chestnut flour (3). The South is influenced by Greek and Arabic traditions with more seasoned herbs and tomatoes both fresh and dried. Fish are also popular in Southern Italy because the coastal areas provide increased access to them. Other countries also influence the foods consumed in Italy. For example, the Sicilians' citrus, raisins, almonds and exotic spices and the Spaniards' saffron is found throughout the south (2).


Moreover, the climatic conditions range from temperate in the continental region to Mediterranean in the basin near the sea. Southern Italy is known for its warmer weather, while northern Italy is cold for most of the year. Dry pastas, such as spagetti and rigatoni, are more likely to be produced in the south because it is easier to dry with warmer weather (2). However, fresh pastas and stuffed, such as papardelle, tagliatelle, and ravioli, are more common in the north because they do not need to be dried in the warm weather. However, fresh pastas and stuffed, such as papardelle, tagliatelle, and ravioli, are more common in the north because they do not need to be dried in the warm weather. The summers in Central Italy are warmer and longer than the north, so tomato dishes tend to be more popular because the growing season is more successful. Consequently, the cold inland winters make it difficult for leafy vegetables to be grown (2). Hard wheat that is used in pasta is traditionally produced in the south, while soft wheat used for bread, biscuits, and pizza is more common in the north (1). Additionally, plants, such as olive trees, are more popular in the south because it is warmer. Thus, olive oil is used more in the south, while butter and lard are utilized more in the north (2). Lastly, the warm climate of southern Italy is exemplary for growing vegetables and chilis.

Southern Italy coastline. Courtesy of Bigstock.

Citations:


  1. Signoretta, P. (2021, March 24). Italy. Retrieved March 25, 2021, from https://www.britannica.com/place/Italy

  2. Coughlin, J. (2016, January 17). Geographical influences on Italian cuisine. Retrieved March 25, 2021, from https://jovinacooksitalian.com/2014/11/14/geographical-influences-on-italian-cuisine/

  3. Phillips, K. (2020). Central Italian cuisine by region. Retrieved March 25, 2021, from https://www.thespruceeats.com/central-italian-cuisine-by-region-2019842


Cover image source World Travel Guide