The adjective that best describes the cuisine of our land is “simple”, meaning uncomplicated and based on local products. Spending just a few days in Umbria is enough to understand that an essential element of our culinary culture is extra virgin olive oil. Found on every hill, our olive trees produce a wonderful oil with distinct aromas and flavors, varying depending on the production area. Olive oil is present in almost every traditional preparation, including many desserts. You cannot leave without tasting our bruschetta: grilled bread seasoned with salt, Umbrian olive oil (even better if freshly pressed!), and, for those who enjoy it, a rub of garlic. Grilled bread is also excellent when topped with our traditional pâté, made from “regaglie”, chicken liver. Traditional Italian cuisine has always revolved around the skilled use of cereals, and Umbria is no exception! Our signature product is farro (spelt), which is excellent in soups, combined with our exceptional legumes, Tiny Castelluccio lentils, Fagiolina from Lake Trasimeno, Local chickpeas, Cicerchia (an ancient legume). Pasta in Umbria is simple yet flavorful, made by hand with just flour and water, shaped into thick spaghetti-like strands, each with a different name depending on the region: Ciriole in Terni, Stringozzi in the Spoleto area, Picchiarelli in San Gemini. All are best enjoyed with a simple sauce made of tomato, garlic, chili pepper, and extra virgin olive oil, sometimes with the addition of wild mushrooms, when available. For an even more exquisite experience, try them with just a drop of olive oil and a generous shaving of Norcia’s black truffle, a true delicacy! Another wonderful way to enjoy this gift of nature is in a simple omelet or with steaming hot spaghetti. The most commonly used meats in Umbrian cuisine are pork, lamb, chicken, and guinea fowl, prepared in many different ways, especially grilled over an open flame. Historically, traditional desserts were made only for religious holidays or special agricultural celebrations. Most are baked goods, except during Carnival, when fried treats like castagnole and frappe take center stage. In the Terni area, some of the most typical sweets include: Pampepato , at Christmas, Pizza dolce , at Easter, Fave dei Morti, found in every bakery and pastry shop in early November. Wine deserves a chapter of its own! Our region is 70% covered in hills, where vineyards thrive alongside olive trees, producing excellent wines, such as: Grechetto dei Colli Martani, Orvieto Classico, Rosso di Montefalco, Sagrantino di Montefalco best enjoyed with bold, flavorful meats.