.
My first meal in Florence wasn’t pasta or pizza; it was, a type of Tuscan flatbread. The baker served it fresh from the oven with just a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of salt, and a few slices of prosciutto. I was surprised by how simple it was, but even more amazed at the rich flavors that came through. The olive oil was fruity, the prosciutto was delicate and savory, and the bread itself was perfectly chewy. It showed me that you don’t need complicated dishes to have a meal full of flavor, just great ingredients and a cook who cares about what they are doing.
In Italy, the focus is on the quality of the ingredients. Meals are lighter, and fresher, and includelocal produce, meats, and oils. I soon realized I didn’t feel heavy or sluggish after meals. Instead, I felt satisfied but light and full of energy. I also noticed that foods don’t last nearly as long as they do in America. In Italy, foods that take several weeks to spoil in the U.S. go bad in just a few days here.
Being in Italy changed my approach to food. I learned that simple dishes, made with care and fresh ingredients, can be just as tasty if not more so than the fried, sauce-heavy meals I was used to. Now, I embrace the idea of letting the ingredients speak for themselves. Whether it’s a fresh bruschetta, pasta with olive oil and garlic, or a slice of Parmigiano Reggiano, I appreciate the natural flavors in each bite. Even though it would be harder in the U.S., to find such ingredients Americans can learn a lot about food from the Italians.
If you ever find yourself in Florence or Italy in general or just want to try eating a little differently, focus on the quality of your ingredients and do not overdo it. You don’t need a lot to create something special, and your body will thank you for it.
About me
My name is Alex and I am from Colorado I am studying abroad this semester In Florence Italy! I am studying international finance and love to travel meet new people and try new foods from around the world. This is my second time studying In Italy as I studied in Rome in 2023 and fell in love with it. I am so happy to be able to be back here and experience and learn the great culture of Italy as well as be able to work as an Intern for Speakeasy!
https://speakeasymultilingual.com/living-in-florence/eat-drink-in-florence/