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.
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.
