GEOGRAPHY INFLUENCES FOOD Presented by Maria Morgan

ITALY Italy is located on the MEDITERANNEAN Sea. Italy is a PENINSULA. A PENINSULA is land that is surrounded by water on three sides. Italy’s shape resembles a boot. Several ISLANDS are included in the country. An ISLAND is land that is surrounded by water.

A map of Italy

The surrounding waters Besides the MEDITERANEAN SEA, Italy is surrounded by: The ADRIATIC SEA to the EAST The LIGURIAN SEA to the NORTH WEST The TYRRHENIAN SEA to the WEST and The IONIC SEA to the SOUTH

Italy’s surrounding waters

ITALY’S ISLANDS The main ISLANDS of Italy are: SICILY which sits at the toe of the boot and SARDINIA which lies west of the mainland in the sea.

ITALY has MOUNTAINS To the NORTH are the ALPS Down the center of the boot are the APPENINES There are also two VOLCANOES Mt. Etna in Sicily

And Mt. Vesuvius near Naples.

Along the coast… Fishing is a mainstay occupation and fish is a staple of the Italian diet, especially along its coastlines.

In the mountains In the north, beef cattle graze producing both meat and cheese products. Bistecca alla Fiorentina is a traditional favorite. Parmegiano Reggiano is a worldwide favorite.

And still more… Northern cooking uses more butter and cream sauces such as Fettuccini Alfredo. Sheep that graze on south mountain grasses produce pecorino cheese, another favorite.

San Marzano Tomatoes Farms near Naples produce the world’s best tomatoes.

In conclusion This tasty tease is a small sampling of how geography influences food. Next step, enjoy the vino.