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Truffle hunting is an ancient tradition rooted in Roman times, when the Romans regarded truffles as a delicacy, and attributed their mysterious growth to divine forces. While truffles have been prized for millennia, the formal tradition of truffle hunting as …

The Italian expression perché mai (pehr-kai mah-ee) is a versatile idiom used to convey surprise, disbelief, or skepticism.  Literally translated as “why ever” or “why on earth,” it often appears in rhetorical questions or exclamations, emphasizing incredulity or seeking further …

Collodi is a small yet charming village in Tuscany, between the well-known towns of Lucca and Pistoia. Located about 15 kilometers from Lucca, it is a popular stop for travelers exploring the rolling hills and historic towns of Tuscany. But …

The mechanical pencil is a sleek and efficient writing tool with an Italian heart, as it was created by the company Aurora, a renowned manufacturer of fine writing instruments. Founded in Turin in 1919 by Isaia Levi, Aurora quickly became …

The Festa del Peperoncino in Diamante, Calabria, is a lively celebration that honors the region’s beloved chili pepper (peperoncino), a cornerstone of Calabrian cuisine and culture. Known for its use in dishes such as nduja and pasta alla diavola, the spicy peperoncino has deep roots in the …

The Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella is both one of the oldest pharmacies in the world, and a symbol of Florentine heritage, tradition, and craftsmanship. For over 400 years, this legendary institution has been making exquisite perfumes, skincare products, …

Un Fernet? Our grandparents may have offered it at the end of fancier dinners… But what’s the name we associate the most with this bitter, yet oddly satisfying spirit? Definitely Branca!  Fratelli Branca Distillerie, commonly known as Branca, is one …

The Italian word siccome  (seek-koh-mai) started being used in the second half of the 13th century, and is the union of two other Italian adverbs, sì and come. It must have become popular immediately, as even Dante and Petrarca used it! …

Balsamic vinegar originated in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, particularly the cities of Modena and Reggio Emilia, where it has been produced for centuries.  Its invention dates back to at least the Middle Ages, with the first written records mentioning …

The Italian expression non ci sto (non tchi stoh) translates to “I don’t agree” or “I won’t stand for it” in English. It is often used to express firm disagreement or rejection of a proposal, situation, or idea.  The phrase …