What South Italy has taught me about food

Since moving to the South of Italy, my relationship with food has undergone a transformation I could never have anticipated. Back in the UK, my eating habits were, quite frankly, appalling. I relied heavily on junk food and processed ready meals and I didn’t have any real appreciation for individual ingredients. Food for me, was merely a necessity, something to keep me going rather than something to be savoured.

In the UK, food often feels like a background activity. We eat because we must, but life doesn’t stop for it. Meal times are often rushed and there’s little emphasis on the experience itself. Here in the South of Italy though, life does stop for food. Meal times are sacred and they represent much more than just eating.

Reflecting on my journey with food, I’ve realised that I’ve learnt some significant lessons since living in this beautiful region.

1. Cooking as an Act of Love

In Southern Italy, cooking isn’t seen as a chore but as an act of love. The process of baking or cooking is a joyful experience, steeped in tradition and care. Recipes are often handed down through generations, each one carrying the wisdom and flavours of the past. There’s a deep respect for ingredients and the cooking process that I had never experienced before. Here, the time spent preparing food is time well spent, an opportunity to connect with loved ones and express affection through a shared meal.

2. The Importance of Fresh Ingredients

Fresh ingredients are the heart and soul of Italian cuisine. The taste of a dish is a direct reflection of the quality of the ingredients used and this is something Italy prides itself on. Every region has its own specialty dishes, crafted from the best local produce. However, it’s disheartening to know that some of the finest produce, like Sicily’s renowned lemons, are often exported for other countries to enjoy. This practice, driven by higher prices abroad, can sometimes be to the detriment of those living here.

3. Meal Times are Sacred Moments

Meal times in Southern Italy are sacred. They’re not just about nourishing the body but are also important social occasions. Families come together to share their day and it’s frowned upon to be on your phone at the table. Unlike in the UK, where ‘TV dinners’ are common, I haven’t eaten in front of the television for six years. Even if the TV is on in the background, the real focus is on the people around the table. Food here is as much about connection and community as it is about sustenance.

“Food is far more than just a necessity.”

4. Respect for Food and Minimising Waste

One of the most surprising lessons I’ve learnt is about the importance of minimising food waste. Although food waste is a global issue, families here are generally more resourceful, finding ways to use up leftovers. Stale bread, for instance, becomes the perfect base for bruschetta or breadcrumbs. Vegetables on the turn can still make a delicious minestrone and even garlic that’s past its best can form the base of a fantastic pasta dish. This resourcefulness stems from a deep-rooted belief that food is a form of abundance and therefore it is treated with great respect.

A Continually Evolving Relationship

Everyone’s relationship with food is different, and mine is still evolving. I wouldn’t consider myself a chef by any means, but I’m okay with that because I’m still learning. Moving to South Italy has opened my eyes to the many layers of food and how it touches our lives in ways beyond just satisfying hunger.

This journey has taught me that food is far more than just a necessity. It’s a powerful part of life that can bring people together, create lasting memories, and connect us to our heritage. That, for me, is perhaps the most important lesson of all.