Food and Wine from Tuscany: Tuscan Recipes and Chianti Wine, Cooking Classes in Florence and Tuscany

Tuscany Food and Wine

Tuscany is a region of excellence in the area of food and wine. Its lands produce highly appreciated wines, such as the Chianti Classico and the Brunello di Montalcino, that are known worldwide. The region produces many lesser-known wines such as the Vernaccia di San Gimignano, Morellino di Scansano and Rosso di Montepulciano. Just as important is the region's production of Tuscan olive oil and local cheeses (Pecorino di Pienza) and cold cuts (such as salumi di cinta senese). Tuscan cuisine distinguishes itself for its tasty dishes made with genuine, natural ingredients which make even the simplest dishes true delicacies to savor and enjoy (bistecca Fiorentina, cinghiale, pappa al pomodoro, ribollita).

Categories

Sites

	Zuppa Toscana and other Tuscan Recipes - www.tuscanrecipes.com - Collection of recipes from Tuscany, from appetizers to desserts. Useful information on measurement conversions, common substitutions, Italian pantry and an ingredient glossary.
	Olivicoltori Toscani - www.olivicoltoritoscani.it/ - The site for the cooperative association of olive tree growers presents a wealth of information on the history of olive trees in the region, the varieties grown in Tuscany and the process by which olive oil in created. The site also includes information on the nutritional aspects of olive oil, the cooperative's products and activities and a few recipes where fresh olive oil is a central ingredient.
	Tuscany Cooking Lessons - www.tuscanycooking.net - Two Italian cooks offer Tuscan cooking lessons and dinners at your home or holiday rental. The site has sample menus, and details on the services offered. You'll have to write to request lesson costs.
	ChefMoz Tuscany - chefmoz.org/Italy/Tuscany/ - Restaurant guide compiled by the public and volunteer local editors. Most cities have a few reviews, with addresses and contact details, which should be helpful in providing some suggestions as to where to eat wherever you may be in Tuscany.
	Tuscan DOP and IGP Products - germoplasma.arsia.toscana.it/dopigp/ - The Regional Agency for the development of agricultural and forestry programs (ARSIA) dedicates this site to presenting the various DOP and IGP products produced in Tuscany. The two types of recognition, launched by the EU to protect the origin and characteristics of food stuffs, give consumers information about the quality of the product while protecting the producers themselves from unfair competition. The site includes general information on the types of recognition while providing fact sheets on the various protected food stuffs produced in Tuscany.
	Tuscan Olive Oil Consortium - www.consorziooliotoscano.it - Site of the Consortium of Tuscan olive oil which certifies the quality and origin of Tuscan olive oil. Interesting section on the history of olive growing in the region, of the soil characteristics and of the benefits of olive oil. List of olive growers and presses certified by the consortium.
	Tuscan Prosciutto Consortium - www.prosciuttotoscano.com - Website for the consortium that protects and regulates the production of Prosciutto Toscano D.O.P. The site contains information on the consortium, the statute, and producers which are members. The characteristics of Prosciutto Toscana D.O.P are described in detail, as well as the unqiueness of the territory and techniques for making it that make the Prosciutto Toscano truly particular. There are also recipes and contact details for the consortium.
	Tuscan Things - www.tuscanystyle.it - Online store offering traditional Tuscan products, such as wines, cheeses, cold cuts, preserves and truffles. They will ship worldwise and it is possible to pay with credit cards.