in your plate  – food in piedmonte 

Diamond of Alba: The White Truffle and Piedmontese Culinary Treasures

In the heart of Piedmont, where active vacations meet the allure of exquisite cuisine, the region’s gastronomic gems take center stage. Among these treasures is the renowned white truffle, a true diamond of Alba, gracing the Piedmontese landscape with its culinary splendor.

The White Truffle of Alba: A Gastronomic Marvel

Tuber magnatum pico, known to connoisseurs as the white truffle, is a culinary masterpiece as precious as the fertile land from which it emerges. Alba, a charming town in the province of Cuneo, proudly hosts the world’s oldest White Truffle Fair, held annually between October and November. This extraordinary event culminates on November 13th with the Worldwide Auction Sale of the White Truffles of Alba, a global affair attracting cities from Paris to Hong Kong, Moscow to New York.

Steeped in history and tradition, this auction is not only a display of gastronomic excellence but also a cultural celebration. VIPs, from athletes like Joe di Maggio to film directors like Alfred Hitchcock, have graced the fair, making it a world-record holder auction. The white truffle, an epitome of luxury, has been sold for substantial sums, emphasizing its status as a coveted delicacy.

Piedmontese Hazelnuts: A Culinary Legacy

Beyond the white truffle, Piedmont’s culinary landscape is adorned with hazelnuts, an ancient tree that has become an integral part of the region’s identity. Cultivated in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Monferrato, Roero, and Langhe, these IGP Piedmont Hazelnuts offer a taste of perfection. With a history dating back to Napoleon’s era, these hazelnuts not only symbolize prosperity but also gave birth to the iconic Gianduja chocolate.

Spherical in shape with tender flesh, Piedmontese hazelnuts are not only a treat straight from the tree but also find their way into the region’s confectionery delights. From the classic gianduiotto to the torta Nocciolina and Baci di dama, these hazelnuts play a starring role in Piedmont’s sweet offerings.

Piedmontese Delicacies: A Symphony of Flavors

Piedmontese pastries are legendary, showcasing unique delights like the traditional marron glacé from Cuneo and the bunet from the Langhe, a pudding of cocoa, macaroons, and rum. Adding to the list is the paste di meliga del Monregalese, a Slow Food presidium of biscuits made from wheat and maize flour.

Even a simple coffee break becomes a gastronomic experience with the “bicerin” in Turin – a delightful blend of coffee, chocolate, and milk cream.

In the savory realm, Piedmontese flavors are rich and intense. From the legendary white truffle of Alba paired with tajarin egg tagliolini to agnolotti del plin, these dishes showcase the region’s culinary prowess. Lesser-known delights like cagliette, large potato gnocchi from Val Chisone, and medieval-inspired Moncalieri tripe add to the tapestry of Piedmontese gastronomy. And who could forget the iconic bagna cauda, a sauce of garlic, anchovies, and olive oil, enjoyed with a variety of vegetables?

In Piedmont, every dish tells a story, inviting active vacationers to savor the flavors of a region where cycling and indulging in delectable cuisine seamlessly intertwine.