In
Abruzzi seafood and food from the forest and mountains are popular. The most delicious saffron is also grown here.
Fish and seafood: Sardines and anchovies are often eaten fried, but fish soups are also a delicacy in
Abruzzi. Typically they are made of various kinds of mussels, squid, lobsters and gurnard.
Meat, game and poultry: Lamb that has grazed on the green slopes of the mountains is especially popular in
Abruzzi. Goats and pigs are also among local favourites, particularly suckling pigs. Many places serve game dishes such as hare and venison.
Sausages and ham: The best sausages in
Abruzzi are cured Lonza Aquilana made of pork loin, Salame di Pecora made of sheep and Mortadella di Campotosto made of pork.
Cheese: Pecorino is the most widely available cheese in
Abruzzi. A certain amount of goat's cheese is also made and this is mostly eaten fresh.
Sweets: Ferratelle, Neole and Pizzelle are common names for a type of cake eaten everywhere in the region. Typically the cake is rectangular and often tastes of aniseed. And don't miss out on the perfect little Confetti, that are sugar coates almonds originally from the village of Sulmona.
Wine and vineyards: The region's most commonly grown black grape is
Montepulciano d'Abruzzo. It is used for ordinary red wines as well as for the big special ones. Trebbiano d'Abruzzo is the white grape of the region and can create exciting wines. Masciarelli, Cataldi, Valentini, Valle Reale and La Valentina are some of the best vineyards in the region.
