The typical day in life can be waking up early, clocking in to work, grabbing a quick lunch and immediately going back to work. More often than not, lunch breaks are only 30 minutes, encouraging people to eat as fast as possible to get back to earning money. While Italians also work hard, this very rushed approach to eating is not common in their culture. My culture professor also explained that most Italians appreciate taking their time and see it as healthy to take a break, rather than being on the go. During my time in Italy, I’ve come to agree that the habit of inhaling food isn’t the healthiest. Dining is about more than just eating—it's a time for socializing and relaxing. Meals are meant to be savored and enjoyed with loved ones.
Dining is a crucial aspect of the environment in Italy. It is one of the distinguishing factors which separates it from other countries around the globe. The Mediterranean diet is popular throughout the region, promoting a healthy balance of colorful vegetables, hearty meat or fish, with pasta and sides to fill a person up.
Italy is known for its hot summers and mild winters, creating a setting good for agriculture. A variety of fruits, vegetables, wheat and other grains can be grown all year long. Regional menus change based on the availability during the seasons such as truffles in autumn, asparagus in spring and figs in summer. Agriculture contributes to the health of Italians, as the food in Italy isn’t usually processed and is sourced from local farms.
Another example of the produced foods being connected to feasting is the special food festivals.
