Parma province is widely known as home of two of the world’s best known food products – Parmigiano Reggiano (Parmesan cheese) and Prosciutto di Parma (Parma ham), but food lovers know that the area offers many other cheese and cured meats products, such as Salami Feline, as well as much else besides.
Indeed, Albareto and the Taro valley in the west of Parma province are particularly famous for another local delicacy – the highly prized Porcini mushroom.
>>> read about The Porcini Mushroom Road
Parma Food Specialities
Parma ham, Parmesan cheese and a wide variety of other cured meats and cheeses produced by local small businesses and cooperatives are available at shops and markets throughout the Taro valley.
For those interested to learn about the production of Parma’s famous food specialities, there are four food museums in Parma – the Musei Del Cibo – each dedicated to a local delicacy (about a one hour drive from the accomodation).
- Museo Del Proscuitto (Ham Museum)
- Museo Del Parmesano Reggiano (Parmesan Cheese Museum)
- Museo Del Salami (Salami Museum)
- Museo Del Pomodoro (Tomato Museum)
Cittaslow
With so many local delicacies on offer, it should come as no surprise that the Valtaro area became a leading light of the Cittaslow “Slow Food”* movement, and there are many great restaurants and Trattoria‘s offering the full Italian dining experience.
Such meals comprise of antipasto (a selection of cold cuts, olives, pickled vegetables and other nibbles), a first course consisting of home-made pasta (generally offer with a choice of Pesto or Bolognese sauce), and then the main course of meat served with potatoes, a risotto or polenta, often followed by a salad, and finally desert of Italian ice cream, panecotta or cakes.
Visitors with less appetite are encouraged to try the pizza and foccacia on offer at all local bakeries, and those travelling with young children will be pleased to know that they can get burgers and chips at most bars.
>>> see Restaurants in Albareto
>>> see Accomodation in Albareto
>>> read more about Albareto and the Porcini Mushroom Road
>>> read more about The Taro Valley