Fare la scarpetta is important in Italian communities for several reasons. For one, it emphasizes Italians' appreciation for food and the chef's cooking. By eating everything on your plate, including the sauce, you show how much you enjoyed the meal. This practice also shows Italians' respect for history and ancestry. Some say that the fare la scarpetta tradition started centuries ago when Italians began to use tomatoes in their sauces. Since tomatoes make the sauce lighter, the bread is used to clean up the excess sauce. Finally, this tradition creates memories for Italians that encourage them to pass on the practice. Many Italians experience their first fare la scarpetta with their nonni (grandparents) when they are children, so it is not only special to them and the "Italian way," but also encourages them to show their children, grandchildren, and those new to the practice such as me. I felt more connected to the Italian culture when did my first fare la scarpetta in a restaurant with my classmates and professor. I felt very full with the extra bread at first but eventually, I got used to the habit!
Fare la scarpetta is an important and easy way to help the environment. Unfortunately, Italy, like other parts of the world, has a big problem with waste and pollution. Fare la scarpetta is a good way to fight waste because it ensures you do not waste your food - the tradition includes eating everything on your plate.
