When people think of Italian food, it’s usually pasta, pizza, and wine that come to mind. And it’s the kind of cuisine that almost everyone enjoys. Have you ever wondered why that’s the case? Between the cultural blend and the philosophy, here’s why you love Italian food so much.

The Influence of Multiple Cultures

If you haven’t had the pleasure of traveling across Italy, you may not know that the food varies widely from one region to the next. Food in Tuscany is rustic and simple. In northern Italy, butter, polenta, and rice abound. Down south, olive oil is abundant. Coastal regions use seafood, and in other regions, tomatoes feature heavily. As a whole, Italian food has evolved from Roman, Greek, and even Etruscan cuisine. But this influence of multiple cultures means that today’s Italian food has something for everyone.

The Philosophy of Italian Food

No matter the region, Italian food all shares the same foundation – passion and simplicity. Many Italian dishes use just a handful of fresh ingredients, with the emphasis on quality – no fancy techniques, no non-essential ingredients. Beyond all those amazing kinds of pasta, staples in Italian cuisine include cheese and wine. Parmagiano-Reggiano, Mozzarella di Bufala, Pecorino Toscana, Gorgonzola, and Fontina d’Aosta are all regulars in Italian fare, and they’re a staple, not a mere accompaniment. And then there’s the wine!