It is known as the "green lung" of Italy, and for this reason it is one of the favorite destinations for those looking for landscapes where nature is lush and wild. But that's not all, because it is also the ideal destination for those who love good food, the poor and authentic one of the past. Umbria, in fact, is a region whose rustic and genuine flavors perfectly reflect the land in which they are born and whose gastronomy originates from ancient craft techniques. With simple but robust tastes, Umbrian cuisine is generous with quality food and wine excellences, ranging from olive oil to legumes, up to wine.
Come with us to discover the typical products of Umbria that will make you want to visit this wonderful region right away!
The typical products of Umbria to taste the spirit of this land
Nestled between Tuscany, Lazio and Marche, Umbria is the only Italian region not to be touched by the sea. This aspect obviously also affects the gastronomic proposal, linked above all to breeding, lake fishing and mountain horticultural production. From truffles to oil, from the art of butchery to dairy: here are the products that best represent the region.
Black truffle
We could not start from here. Because in addition to being known as the "green lung", as we have said, Umbria is the "truffle ground" of Italy precisely because of the important production of these precious treasures. The wooded hills of Umbria, in fact, are the ideal habitat for many species of truffle, among which the Precious Black one stands out. This "black gold" releases an intense aroma and it's perfect to pair with some traditional dishes, such as the famous strangozzi, a long fresh pasta prepared without eggs.
Norcia ham
Maximum expression of an ancient art of processing the meat of the "norcini", whose secrets have been handed down from father to son. Over time, Norcia ham has been able to bind itself more and more to the territory, becoming its maximum expression and obtaining, in 1997, the IGP certification with the denomination "Prosciutto di Norcia IGP". But what makes it so special? Strong taste, savory but not salty, characterized by a slightly spicy scent and lard, a mixture of pork fat mixed with salt, pepper, flour and natural flavors to protect the uncovered part of the rind and preserve its fragrance and internal softness. Perfect to be enjoyed like this, cut with a knife, perhaps together with a slice of typical bread like that of Strettura, or to accompany ravioli filled with ricotta cheese and, of course, the ever-present black truffle.
Umbrian pecorino
Umbria, land of butchers and… shepherds. As anticipated, the Umbrian gastronomic production is closely linked to breeding, especially sheep. And it is for this reason that those who visit this region cannot miss a taste of the robust Umbrian cheeses, such as pecorino proposed in many different versions. From the “pecorino di fossa" to the one with black truffle, up to the one that requires the addition of Umbrian red wine during processing or the pecorino seasoned in ashes or marc. All different proposals that respect ancient processes and which, depending on the seasoning, have a fresher and softer taste, or more consistent and tasty, tending towards spicy. Umbrian cheeses go well with red wines, quite warm and full-bodied such as Memoira Sagrantino or Sacer Sagrantino.
Castelluccio lentils
You have certainly heard about the famous "flowering". The meadows at the foot of Monte Vettore, inside the Monti Sibillini National Park, at a height of about 1,500 meters, "explode" with colors from May to July: daffodils, poppies, daisies and lentils with their whites and blues flowers bloom giving a truly unique and breathtaking show. The lentils of Castelluccio, however, are not only famous for the wonderful show they offer: they are in fact a highly sought and precious product, naturally cultivated for centuries in this area, easy to cook and store and rich in beneficial properties. We suggest you to take a tour in these places between June and July - the moment of maximum flowering - and taste the lentils, perhaps in the traditional soup.
Extra virgin olive oil
Umbria is also a land of olive trees. Indeed, we can say that it is the only Italian region in which the DOP of the oil coincides with the entire regional territory, thanks to the favorable climatic conditions and the characteristics of the territory that allow a slower ripening of the olives. The five DOP areas are Colli Amerini and Valnerina, Colli di Assisi and Spoleto, Colli martani, Colli Orvietani and Colli del Trasimeno and offer oils that are distinguished by a fruity and intense taste with more or less delicate notes of bitter and spicy and scents ranging from fresh grass, to almonds, to artichokes. The area of the last DOP includes the oil produced by the Montecorona estate, with an intense aroma of vegetable notes and with slightly bitter and spicy tones and a sweet almond finish.
Bakery art products
In Umbria, bread is a serious matter. For centuries, the numerous bakeries of Perugia, Terni, Spoleto, Assisi, Foligno, Todi, Bastia, Foligno, Orvieto have been churning out delicacies from the very early hours of the morning that fill the streets with a heavenly scent. How not to mention the pan caciato, which as the name suggests includes the addition of pecorino di Norcia, together with hazelnuts and grated Parmesan. Or again, we mentioned before the bread of Strettura, whose magical ingredient is water, since that this village is surrounded by a natural springs that flow from the mountains of the Umbria-Marche Apennines. Local soft wheat flour, sourdough, pure water and salt: these are the ingredients of a simple bread, made as it once was and cooked in a wood oven. Or, the famous “torta al testo", a sort of large, typically round focaccia, about a centimeter thick (it does not require leavening). The name derives from the brick disc called "testo" on which it is cooked directly, placed on burning embers.
Wines, wines and more wines
Oil is undoubtedly an essential product for this region, but you cannot leave Umbria without having tasted its wines, unique in the world. In particular, the area around Montefalco, not far from Assisi, Todi and Spoleto, is famous for the production of Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG wine, a fine native vine with an unmistakable colour, an intense ruby red with violet or garnet reflections, depending on the aging. Our Tenuta di Còlpetrone is located in this area, which is today considered one of the most important production realities in the Montefalco DOCG area. From the Sagrantino Passito meditation wine to the latest arrival, the Ò di Còlpetrone, 100% Sagrantino and which enhances the intrinsic characteristics of this special grape: these two treasures of the Estate that well tell the uniqueness of the territory. Inevitable, therefore, on your journey to discover typical Umbrian products, a tasting journey of three types of Sagrantino or the most typical wines of this area, obviously paired with a platter of cold cuts and pecorino cheeses from local producers and a taste of our production of olive oil.
Did we make you want to book next weekend or your next holiday in Umbria?
