Typical food of Maratea

Among the typical foods of Basilicata and Maratea in particular, some artisanal products stand out, whose origins often date back far in time.

In addition to knowing how they are made, it is interesting to know the origin of the names of common foods, names that we often ignore and that help us to better understand and appreciate what we eat.

This page lists news regarding foods mentioned in the recipes of first courses, main courses, and desserts from the tradition of Maratea.

The Origin of Names

The Eggplant

The eggplant (in Sicilian "mulignana") was imported to southern Italy by the Arabs but initially did not have a good reputation: it was in fact called "mela insana" or diseased apple, considered vulgar and associated with lower social classes that consumed it fried in oil.

Scapici or scapece

For some, the name scapici may derive from the Spanish ecapeche or from the French escabèche, or even from the Latin expression ex Apicio (Apicius was the greatest writer of culinary art in ancient Rome)
However, the origin is likely Arabic (scapece) and referred to a particular recipe of fried fish then marinated in salt and vinegar.

Mostaccioli or Mustazzoli

The name comes from the Latin "mustaceus," an ancient Roman wedding focaccia baked in the oven and placed on laurel leaves.

Eclairs

During the Liberalia, Roman festivals honoring deities protective of rural fertility, elderly women with heads wreathed in ivy sold "frictilia," honey-fried fritters, in the streets to offer to the gods.

Cheese. Mozzarella etc.

Next to the meat are the cheeses: exceptional is the mozzarella and the caciocavalli, both from Massa.

In this context, the peak is certainly reached with the "squacchiamadduni," the typical braided mozzarellas from Massa.

It is probably the climate that adds that touch of magic that makes these dairy products unique in the regional landscape and generally in southern Italy.

But beyond the typical products, there are dishes, the authentic culinary tradition specialties: recipes of traditional dishes to enjoy in Maratea's restaurants but also to try by adding them to your own menu.

The website www.maratea.info is updated by the volunteers of ALTRITURISMI.it
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