As you delve into the culinary scene of the region on a vacation in Tuscany with one of our amazing Tuscany Villas, you may come across certain labels on speciality food products and wonder what they might mean.
Protected by European laws, these labels, such as DOP and IGP are applied to products that make use of the highest quality ingredients and production standards from all across the country of Italy, though Tuscany boasts quite a number of these sorts of wonderful items. So, read on to learn more and then prepare to immerse yourself in the world of authentic Italian flavours and culinary experiences on holiday in Tuscany.
DOP, or Denominazione di Origine Protetta, is one of the highest praises and standards of food labels that you can come across. Translating to Protected Designation of Origin, it signifies that the product is made in a specific region of Italy and that this area is renowned for its exceptional production, made by local farmers and artisans using traditional methods. One of the most well-known DOP products in Italy is Campania’s buffalo mozzarella but some Tuscan examples include Lungiana Honey, San Gimignano saffron, and Garfagnana chestnut flour.
The IGP, or Indicazione Geografica Protetta, label, meanwhile, is a slightly more easily attained achievement. This designation means Protected Geographical Indication and ensures that a food product, such as vegetables or fruits, is grown in and undergoes specific stages, like cleaning and crushing, within its region of origin. Tuscan examples of IGP products include Siena’s beloved Panforte cake, Prato’s Mortadella, and Mugello chestnuts.
Other ingredients from Tuscany come with these seals of approval from wine to olive oil to Tuscan bread and there is a whole world of high-quality culinary delights to discover and savour if you are staying in one of our incredible villas with pools in Tuscany and enjoying all that the region has to offer...
