Each of Italy’s twenty regions boasts its own signature dishes and distinct food culture. In the northern region of Lombardy, for example, polenta and osso bucco reign supreme, while pasta with eggplant is typical of Sicilian cuisine. As you study in Rome, you’ll be living in the principal city of the Lazio region, with plenty of opportunities to try new foods native to this part of Italy. You might select bruschetta for “antipasto” (starter), spaghetti carbonara for “primo” (first course), and some local artichokes for “contorno” (your side dish). Last but not least, you’ll have the chance to taste test some of Italy’s famous “dolces” - the final dessert course of an Italian meal. Read on to learn how you can enrich your discovery of Lazio’s regional food culture by sampling these signature desserts during your time at John Cabot University.
1. Maritozzi: a Romantic Sweet Treat
Maritozzi are small sweet buns filled with cream, often studded with raisins, pine nuts, and even candied orange peel. According to some stories, these small delicacies were originally offered as gifts to a beloved. Historically, the pastries were made during Lent and gifted from husbands to their wives. The name is born from this romantic tradition and derived from the Italian word for husband: “marito.” Today, international students in Italy will have the chance to sample these pastries in a city renowned for its culinary genius. With some of the best bakeries surrounding the JCU campus in Rome, students will find infinite opportunities to connect with the local Italian culture through food.
International students in Italy can take advantage of the local culinary tradition
2. Frappe: A Festival Treat to Enjoy as You Study in Rome
As the year comes to a close, Italians will be looking ahead to the “Carnevale” celebrations that sweep across cities like Venice, Ivrea, Viareggio, and Sciacca. The world-famous Carnival is a huge winter festival marked by parades, music, masquerade balls, and other forms of entertainment. Of course, no celebration would be complete without the addition of local and national dishes. During Carnival, many regions across Italy enjoy crispy-fried pastries coated with a fine dusting of icing sugar. These traditional carnival delicacies are known by different names - from “crostoli” to “sfrappole” – depending on the region you’re visiting. In Rome, these desserts are typically known as “frappe,” and can be found at many bakeries and shops during festival time. When you study in Rome, take advantage of the festivities to experience seasonal and local desserts that you wouldn’t find anywhere else in the world!
Take part in the festivities and explore specialty foods
3. Crostata di Ricotta: A Popular Lazio Tart
Ricotta is a popular ingredient in Italian cooking and plays a key role in many dessert recipes. From ricotta ice cream to sweet ravioli, this soft cheese adds a creamy and rich dimension to Italian desserts. In the Lazio region of Italy, ricotta can be found in the popular “crostata di ricotta” – a sweet tart that students can taste at one of the many cafes near the JCU campus in the heart of the Trastevere neighborhood. Many local Italians find this to be the perfect accompaniment to a cappuccino.
Of course, there are plenty of other tasty desserts from outside of Lazio to try while you study abroad. From rich cannoli to creamy gelato, many popular selections from other Italian regions are widely available in Rome. As a culinary paradise, the Eternal City offers infinite new foods for JCU students to try on their travels.
Would you like to experience a new culture through a study abroad in Italy opportunity?
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