Before starting the new year 2023, we present a small challenge to test your Italian gastronomic knowledge.
Many of the questions you’ll surely know if you’ve been occasionally reading our corporate blog.
How to play this small Italy quiz?
It’s very easy: scroll down or click directly on the question you want. To reveal the answer, hover over or tap with your finger. Let’s see how many questions you can answer correctly! Good luck!
Table of Contents
Most Italians eat pasta every day
False: This is a widespread stereotype about Italians, but the truth is that pasta is not eaten every day. Italian cuisine includes many other dishes frequently consumed, such as cheeses, cured meats, risottos, ice creams, soups, and salads.
On New Year’s Eve, Italians eat lentils instead of grapes
True: This is a well-known tradition among Italian families to attract good luck. It originates from ancient Rome, where leather bags filled with lentils were given to family members at the start of the new year in the hope they would turn into gold coins over time.
Italian coffee is considered one of the best in the world
True: Italy is the birthplace of espresso, regarded by experts as the best coffee in the world. Iconic brands like Lavazza are a testament to this. Each bar and barista prepares their own unique coffee blends.
Tuscany’s cuisine is the most highly regarded in Italy
False: According to experts, the most esteemed Italian cuisine is from the Piemonte region, known for being the birthplace of the “slow food” movement and the exceptional quality of truffles, coffee, rice, and chocolate.
Italian pizzas have been consumed since Roman times
False: Pizzas are a modern recipe, as many of their ingredients, such as tomatoes, originated in the Americas. The closest predecessor would be flatbreads similar to focaccia.
There are more than 300 varieties of Italian cheese
True: In fact, there are nearly 450 varieties of Italian cheese. Pecorino, provolone, parmesan, gorgonzola, mascarpone, and mozzarella are some of the most well-known.
Burrata is a traditional Italian cheese
True: Burrata is a fresh cheese made from cow’s milk and encased in a pouch of stretched curd filled with creamy stracciatella. Learn more here.
Spaghetti is eaten with a spoon
False: Only children use spoons to learn how to twirl spaghetti. Italians often find it amusing to see tourists using spoons to mimic their style.
Carbonara sauce is made with cream and egg
False: Traditionally, carbonara is only made with egg, olive oil, pepper, and cheese. The use of cream is a completely international invention.
Eating pasta with bread is considered inappropriate
True: Italians prefer to eat dishes separately and avoid mixing. Cutting spaghetti with a knife is also considered a major faux pas.
Spaghetti is an Italian invention
False: Spaghetti was discovered by Marco Polo during his travels in Asia in the 13th century. Civilizations like the Chinese had been making it long before his arrival.
Results
- 9-11: Congratulations! You are an expert in Italian cuisine.
- 4-8: Not bad; you know many things that most people don’t about Italian culture.
- 0-3: Don’t worry! You’ve just learned fascinating facts about Italy.
From Rossini, we wish you all a happy holiday season!