Coronavirus situation in Emilia Romagna March 2020

Nowadays, the news seems to be overwhelmed with information about the “dreaded” coronavirus. What is most striking, however, is not the speed at which this virus seems to strike, but rather, the vast amount of misinformation surrounding the subject.

Because of that, many have started to panic and are currently taking inappropriate measures for the fear of being infected. And social media, news channels, and online information do not help to put a halt to this wave of fear that is shocking almost the whole world.

Indeed, while precautions are necessary, the WHO is warning against misuse and hoarding of masks and goggles, that are running out but should only be used by those that are infected to avoid spreading the virus further.

But this seems to be only the beginning. As the coronavirus hits Italy, the country’s inhabitants seemed to have panicked at the fear of contracting the disease and have been emptying supermarkets at impressive rates to be prepared to live in quarantine. Of course, all of these measures are extreme as in Italy the situation is getting under control. But what is the reality of coronavirus? What is the situation in the north of Italy and especially in Emilia-Romagna? Is it still safe to visit?

You’ll find all of these answers in the next sections, and don’t worry, the situation is much better than you think.

What Is the Situation In Italy and What Are the Restricted Zones

The Italian government has declared a state emergency for the coronavirus as soon as the first cases had been identified in late January. Online and in the news, however, it is common to hear about Milano being “locked down” and many people living confined in their houses in Northern Italy, but how severe is it?

The truth is that, while the toll of people tested positive to coronavirus in Italy is pretty high (1,577 cases), it is not as bad as many media portray it. And no, neither Bologna nor Modena are locked down or restricted zones. Even in Milano, the capital of one of the most hit regions, everything continues as usual. Of course, some measures have been taken by the government, that has decided to suspend big gatherings involving many people and schools and some offices have decided to make their employees work from home.

For safety reasons, the government has decided to create a so-called red zone for the areas most at risk for the disease, but this area only covers respectively 0,2 % and 0,5% of Veneto and Lombardia’s territory. The Italian population in isolation is less than the 0,1% of the whole country’s population, to keep the cases at minimum.

In terms of cities being locked down, as for today, Codogno is the only city that is entirely in quarantine. Located in Lombardia, it has been identified as the place where the infection started to spread in Italy. This small north Italian town is, in fact, the home of the infamous patient zero. Measures are taken to avoid the virus to spread further into the country, and the Italian medical care is known to be one of the best in Europe, if not in the world.

In total, as for today, there have been almost 1700 cases of coronavirus in the country and 34 deaths. 83 have been successfully recovered.

In Emilia Romagna, the situation is far from being extreme: there have been 285 cases, more than half of which labeled as “mild” and not needing intensive medical care.

What Is the Situation In Emilia-Romagna

Emilia-Romagna is dealing with its toll of coronavirus cases, with the most affected province being Piacenza.

However, the majority of the cases are mild and, just as with normal flu, have been advised to stay at home until recovery.

In the region, all the restaurants and museums are still open and visitors as safety measures have been secured and guaranteed. Indeed, by taking the right precautions, such as washing your hands regularly and avoiding touching your face and mouth, there is virtually no risk of getting infected.

What needs to stop is the irrational wave of fear preventing some tourists or even locals from visiting Italy. Indeed, Italy is a completely safe country to visit and there is no need to panic or to cancel your trips in case you planned any.

Even if it is true that schools have been closed for a week, and manifestations and gatherings have been suspended, there is no need to transform the coronavirus into the deadly outbreak than many media decide to portray. You can still visit museums and enjoy a meal and your favorite drinks at the many delicious Italian restaurants.

Is It Safe To Visit Emilia-Romagna?

As said before, bars, restaurants, and pubs are open to the public, as well as museums. The fear of coronavirus should not stop you from appreciating the beauty of Italy and its arts, culture, and food. Indeed, the country is giving a good example of the exceptional levels of healthcare offered by the government and there is no need to worry too much about it.

It is important to remember that the use of masks or goggles should be restricted to nurses, doctors, infected individuals and those suffering from severe immuno-deficiencies, which are more at risk of contracting the virus and suffering negative consequences from it. Because there is currently a shortage of masks, you should not deprive those who need them.

Instead, take the right precautions, as advised by the government and the World Health Organization: wash your hands, don’t touch your eyes, mouth, and face and if you show the symptoms of coronavirus, try to recover at home or call medical authorities for help.

With an adequately informed population and tourists, this outbreak can easily be contained without causing too much damage.

Italy is a beautiful country, still safe to visit despite the coronavirus outbreak. Remember that, take the right precautions and keep enjoying the country and especially the wonderful region of Emilia-Romagna and its numerous attractions and rich culture.

What to do in December in Bologna, Modena and Parma

December is a month filled with festive activities. Many cities get lighten up, Christmas trees start to populate squares and markets or other types of events are organized. If you find your self in Italy and more specifically in the region of Emilia-Romagna, there are some events and activities you really shouldn’t miss out in December. This article is specifically about what to do in December in BolognaModena, and Parma. Let’s dig in!

Visit Bologna’s Fiera Di Santa Lucia

Antica Fiera di Santa Lucia, Bologna“Antica Fiera di Santa Lucia, Bologna” by sdhaddow is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

In Bologna, many events are organized during December. Starting from the first days of the month, the whole atmosphere in the city gets festive every day more. From Christmas markets, choir singing and open-air concerts, Bologna offers events and activities for different tastes and preferences.

One of the most traditional things to do in the city is to visit the popular Fiera di Santa Lucia. From late November until Christmas, the portico of The Servi’s Church (Chiesa Dei Servi) is filled with small stalls, displaying sweets, gifts, Christmas decorations, and Crib items. The atmosphere of the market is very “Christmassy” and joyous but it is worth to see Bologna under a different light during December. The Fiera di Santa Lucia is one of the most loved Christmas Markets in Bologna. For this reason, you should not miss the chance to visit it and maybe try some of the local sweets.

Eat The Traditional Zampone in Modena’s Famous Restaurant “Oreste”

Christmas is synonymous with rich dinners and family meals in many parts of the world. Christmas is commonly associated with the feeling of getting together, sharing time and yummy food. That couldn’t be truer in Italy, where Christmas family dinners are traditionally known for being very delicious (and quite heavy too, but hey, it’s Christmas). A popular dish that is commonly eaten in the Emilia-Romagna region during this period is “zampone”. Zampone is pig’s trotter stuffed with ground pork which is usually dried and cured and traditionally served with lentils. It is typical of the city of Modena and eaten for Christmas or New Year’s Eve by many Italian Families.

If you want to try a good, well made and loved zampone, you should pay a visit to the famous restaurant “Oreste”. The restaurant has been hugely popular among the Modenese and it is famously known as Luciano Pavarotti’s favorite restaurant and offers not only great service in the perfect location, close to Modena’s Duomo but also yummy traditional food. It is not a restaurant for fancy surroundings or a quick meal. Rather, it is the perfect place to visit if you want to experience real, classic Italian food. The place was recently renovated, but it has still kept the magnificent familiar and warm atmosphere that has always characterized the place.

Participate at Parma’s New Year’s Eve Gala

Sometimes knowing what to do for New Year’s Eve and how to celebrate the welcoming of the new year might be a bit stressful. If you are in doubt, think about the opportunity of spending such night in Parma!

If you like good food and fancy locations, there is no better way to conclude the year with the famous New Year’s Eve Gala Of Teatro Regio di Parma (or Gala Di Capodanno in Italian). The evening includes a wonderful concert and complete dinner with drinks and amazing entertainment, to properly welcome 2020 in the beautiful location the Regio Theater.

As previously mentioned, these are just some of the many activities you can enjoy and take part in during December in the major cities of Emilia-Romagna. Smaller cities also organize events that are worth checking out. Not many consider visiting the northern part of Italy during December, but in reality, it is a great way to have a different taste of Italian traditions. Go, explore and have fun, you might be surprised at how different some cities might look like during Christmas time!

The Best Food Museums in Bologna, Modena and Parma.

There are a few places in the world where the food culture is as strong as it is in Italy. It is not only about pizza and pasta and whoever has visited Italy knows it very well.

There is something about Italians’ love for their cuisine which makes it special. It is an attention to the raw materials and the regional high-quality products. After all, Italian cuisine is one of the best in the world for something, no?

It is hard not to get overwhelmed by the great passion for tradition, quality, and regional flavors when visiting the country. Every region and every city has something to offer in terms of traditional cuisine which is specific to that area.

Emilia-Romagna is an Italian region full of culture, rich in traditions and historical landmarks. Not many know that is also the home of some of the Italian foods that have gained an important name around the world such as Parmesan Cheese, Parma Ham or Balsamic Vinegar, to mention only a few.

When in the region, you should make the best out of your experience and try out as many traditional foods as you want!

If you want to go deeper and learn something more about real Italian food culture and its ingredients you should make sure you visit these food museums in Emilia-Romagna. They focus on regional specialties and will make you appreciate Italian food traditions even more.

Carpigiani Gelato Museum

from carpigiani website

Who doesn’t love gelato? Italian summers would just not be the same without the classic (and delicious) cones or cups of artisanal gelato, that in Italy seems to be so easy to find. Loving gelato is one thing, but knowing its history and production techniques is another, and it can be quite fascinating too.

For all gelato-lovers, Bologna hosts the only museum in the world dedicated entirely to the history of artisanal gelato. It is the Carpigiani Gelato Museum.

From food classes to tasting, to the teaching of the technology behind the perfect gelato, the museum is a very interesting experience, recommended to everyone, especially those that wonder why is Italian gelato so much better than any other gelato in the world.

The main exposition is highly interactive and it is organized around four main themes: the evolution of gelato from the origins to what we know as gelato today; the history of its production, the consumption of gelato today; and the Italian artisanal gelato industry around the world.

During your visit, you’ll be able to admire many ancient machines used to produce gelato and learn about the evolutions of artisanal gelato. To visit even better, you’ll have some gelato tasting at the end. Not bad for a museum, right?

The Museum itself is located at Carpigiani’s headquarters. If you don’t know what Carpigiani is, you should, since it is the company behind most of the machines producing your favorite artisanal gelato. Located in Anzola Emilia, just 40 minutes from Bologna, the museum is easily accessible by car or public transport.

Keep in mind that before getting there, you should book a tour on the Carpigiani Gelato Museum’s website. Make sure to check also the upcoming events, you might find something interesting to enrich your visit!

Traditional Balsamic Vinegar Museum

Museo aceto tradizionale

In Italian referred to as “Museo del Balsamico Tradizionale Spilamberto, the Traditional Balsamic Vinegar museum is centered around the production of balsamic vinegar. It is an interesting door to the sometimes hidden world of the ancient methods of production of this tasty dressing that is still used nowadays and make balsamic vinegar a premium Italian product that has built an important name around the world.

The museum is located in Modena, where real balsamic vinegar is from.

Visiting the museum is a great way to learn about the techniques, the tools and the traditions of balsamic vinegar and its uses. You’ll discover the different flavors, aging method, and combinations so you’ll learn how to use it at its best. A visit to a food museum will not be complete without a tasting, and this museum does it very well.

The love and passion for the “black nectar” from the guides and the traditional production methods which will make you travel in the past, make the visit particularly interesting. You’ll go through all the steps needed to produce balsamic vinegar and learn more about the possible food combinations to enhance its flavors.

In the end, you will have the opportunity to shop for some of the awesome balsamic vinegar you tasted during your tour. You can also opt for having a tour without tasting, but the additional 2 euros for the tasting experience are worth it and will make your visit much better.

To visit the museum, you should book a guided tour of the museum’s website. They organize four visits per day every day, apart from Monday, when the museum is closed.

Parma Ham Museum: Museo Del Prosciutto Di Parma

Parma hams
Prosciutto di Parma

This wonderful museum is focussing on one of Parma’s main specialty: Prosciutto di Parma or Parma Ham. It is located in Langhirano, a small town about 90 kilometers from Bologna and 20 kilometers from Parma.

The building of the museum is called “Foro Boario”, dating back from the early 20th century. The museum is focused on the importance of the Emilia-Romagna region and its local ingredients and how they fostered the production of Parma Ham. The museum is organized into eight sections all centered around the history of the ham and its production methods over the years.

For example, there is an interesting section entirely dedicated to salt, a staple food that was essential in the conservation of foods in the past and that turned out to be the basis of the industry of cured meat and its “art”. You’ll also learn about the uses of Prosciutto di Parma in traditional Italian dishes and the most recent techniques of production.

At the end of your visit, you can choose to shop for some Parma Ham or also go for a tasting or a meal at the Museum’s restaurant, along with a selection of the best wines of the region.

So, here was a list of some of the food museums you shouldn’t miss when in Emilia-Romagna. Make sure you visit them and enjoy your experience!

Where to Buy Parma Ham in Parma?

In the Northern Italian countryside, you will find the city of Parma, it may be famous for a variety of things including its University and cheese, but what it is most famous for is its Prosciutto di Parma otherwise known as Parma ham.

Prosciutto di Parma is a delicious dry-cured ham that follows an intricate process that can take up to several years, in order to obtain the perfect final taste that everyone knows an loves. While there are other regions in Italy that have their own version, Prosciutto di Parma is the most famous and sought after of them all, even earning certain degrees of protected status.

If you are ever lucky enough to visit or live in the city of Parma and want to experience the most authentic and appetizing Prosciutto di Parma in the country, then we have found the ultimate places for you to go and have just that.

1) La Prosciutteria

The moment you walk into La Prosciutteria all of your senses will be overwhelmed by the sheer number of hanging hams on offer. There is a massive selection for you to choose from, and it is clear to see why this place is famous among locals as well as tourists. The shop provides an assortment of wonderful smells and wonderful sights, and as a bonus, they specialize in other local meats and cheeses, and have fresh bread daily. La Prosciutteria is quintessentially Italian, a place that is a prime example of where you should buy or try Parma ham, it is a delightful shop and you will most certainly leave with a smile.

Situated right in the heart of Parma, the shop is easy to access and easy to find.

The address for La Prosciutteria: Via Farini, 9/c – Parma

Their opening times vary depending on the day/season, so in order to never miss your chance to visit, check out their website for the complete list of opening times: https://www.silvanoromaniparma.it/

2) Casa del Formaggio

For more than thirty years Casa del Formaggio has been serving up some of the best traditional Italian food available, from their fresh plates of pasta, a vast selection of cheeses, and of course, different meats. Their choice of cured meats includes some of the best Parma ham you can buy in the region; you will find only the highest quality of ham at Casa del Formaggio, a ham that has been cured slowly and traditionally with the end result being a perfect and mouthwatering example of why Parma ham is held in such a high regard in Italy.

Casa del Formaggio is located right in the center of Parma and is easily accessible by car or on foot.

The address for Casa del Formaggio: Str. Nino Bixio 106 / C Parma

The shop is open Monday- Saturday

Morning 8:30-13:30 / Afternoon 16:30-19:45

3) Salumeria Garibaldi

Salumeria Garibaldi is another excellent choice for those wanting to find the best Parma ham that the city has to offer. For nearly seventy years this shop has severed the area with its finest hams and cheeses, earning itself as a reputation for providing its customers with a gastronomic delight. Their succulent selection of Prosciutto di Parma has been mastered over the years to be some of the best and famous in the country, with theirs being recognized on a national level. The passion and enthusiasm that the owners of Salumeria Garibaldi have for their work come through in the rich and full flavors of the products, and they truly serve some of the best Parma ham in the whole of Italy.

Conveniently located near the city’s main railway station, you will have no problems with finding it.

The address for Salumeria Garibaldi: Strada Garibaldi 42 43121 Parma

The shop is open Monday – Saturday

08:00-20:00

You will never look at Parma ham in the same way again after you have had the experience of tasting some of the most authentic Parma ham not only in the region but also in the country. Once you have visited the area you will fully understand why the province has earned itself the nickname of the food valley of the world.

Best AIRBNB Accomodation in Parma (All Under 100 Euros)

When it comes to Airbnbs in the beautiful city of Parma, you really are spoilt for choice, and narrowing it down to the best ones can be difficult.

From the perfect hosts to out-of-this-world locations, here’s the best of the best Airbnb accommodation in the wonderful Parma. The icing on the cake? They all cost under 100 euros a night.

Fancy a discount on airbnb? Use this link to get 28 euros off from your booking in Parma.

La Casa Di Luce

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First on the list we’ve got La Casa Di Luce; a 2 bedroom and 1 bathroom apartment close to the very best of Parma’s city center. This apartment is spacious, bright and clean, situated just a short bus journey or walk from Parma’s bustling historic center, as well as parks, culture, theatre, art and restaurants.

This apartment boasts a wide range of amenities including free parking on the premises, wireless internet, free street parking and a free breakfast. The first bedroom contains 1 king bed and 1 single bed, while the second bedroom has another large king bed.

The interior is modern, spacious and airy. It has a lovely balcony, and the host Sara is exceptionally friendly and easy to communicate with. Previous guests love the bright spacious rooms, as well as the quiet, family-oriented neighborhood.

La Casa Di-Luce suits couples, lone travellers, business travellers and families with young children. While not in the heart of Parma’s city center, there’s an abundance of restaurants and cafes nearby, and those with a hired car can benefit from the free parking. Public transport around the area is easy to use, and you can be in the city center in just a few minutes.

With 93% of guests giving the check-in process 5 stars, and 9 recent guests saying the house is sparkling clean, La Casi Di-Luce offers the perfect stay – for just €55 a night.

Appartamento Vicino al Centro e ai Giardini

Vittorio’s apartment is another Airbnb that deserves a special mention. This apartment sleeps 4 guests, with 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. The first bedroom contains 1 super king bed, while the second has 2 single beds.

This apartment is spacious and bright. The decor is traditional, and the rooms are excellent sizes. It has free parking on the premises, wireless internet, a crib and high chair for children, free street parking and children’s books and toys. It’s exceptionally family friendly, and provides ample space for the children to enjoy their holiday – and you to enjoy yours!

This apartment is situated less than 15 minutes walk from the center of Parma. It is a few stops from Ferrari park and 10 minutes from the Citadel. This makes it far enough away that you won’t be disturbed by the hustle and bustle of the town, but close enough to get to the center whenever you need to. It’s situated on the first floor of a building of 3 residential units, in a leafy and family-friendly street. You’ll feel as if you belong in no time at all.

Previous guests have loved the space in this flat, as well as the cleanliness. The apartment is kept immaculate by hosts Vittorio and his daughter Francesca, and the pair are exceptionally welcoming.

For a fantastic location, exceptional cleanliness and a family-friendly atmosphere, Vittorio’s apartment should be your go-to. It costs €70 per night.

Casa Simonetta

 

Next on the list is Casa Simonetta in Borgo, which is another fantastic and excellent value Airbnb in Parma; costing just €52 a night.

This apartment sleeps 4 guests, with 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom. The bedroom has 1 king sized bed, while the living area has a sofa bed that sleeps 2.

The location of this apartment is second to none. It’s situated in the heart of the historic center which is perfect for anyone who wants to be in and amongst the hustle and bustle of Parma. It’s mere steps away from the best tourist attractions of the city, with restaurants, shops and historic sights quite literally on your doorstep.

This apartment has just been renovated, meaning the decor is modern, and the apartment is clean, comfortable and relaxing. Guests love the contemporary interior and the rooms are airy, bright and spotlessly clean.

The apartment is perfectly equipped for families and nothing is too much for the hosts, Simonette and Alfredo. The two are passionate about Parma and more than happy to give you tips on what to do, where to go and, perhaps most important, where to eat! If you need early or late check in, the hosts are extremely accommodating.

Other amenities offered include wireless internet, air conditioning, central heating, children’s books and toys, and paid parking on premises. While there is no free parking, the apartment is located just minutes from the station, making it easy to get out and about if you don’t have a car.

Residenza Palazzo Pettorelli

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finally, we’ve got the Residenza Palazzo Pettorelli, an apartment which sleeps 4 guests with 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. The first bedroom has 1 king bed, while the second has 2 single beds. The living area contains a toddler bed making this apartment perfect for all the family.

This luxurious apartment is in one of Parma’s most beautiful palaces, and the interior of is simply stunning. With original features, beautiful ceilings and spacious rooms, you really will feel like royalty staying in this apartment – and it only costs €80 a night. The interior retains traditional 18th century ceilings and walls, and the palace used be occupied by Maria Luigia, the renowned Napoleon’s second wife and Duchess-of-Parma.

When it comes to location, this apartment ticks all the boxes. It’s situated on a quiet residential street, just minutes from the historic center of Parma, as well as Ducal Park, the Baptistery and the Duomo – some of the city’s most beautiful monuments. It’s safe to say you will never be short of places to go – or things to eat and drink! There’s a multitude of wine shops and restaurants on your doorstep to enjoy.

Finally, the hosts are extremely helpful. With recommendations of things to see, do, eat and drink, you’ll be able to enjoy all that Parma has to offer, and feel like royalty as you do so. Previous guests have loved the large shuttered windows, and the gelato shops just meters away. For somewhere totally unique and luxurious, the Residenza-Palazzo Pettorelli is the perfect choice.

Parma Home Food Experience with Market Tour

Parma is one of the symbolic provinces in Italy thanks to its rich traditions and unique cuisine. The enogastronomy of Parma is so extensive, from the herb and potato quiches, mountain bread to the Borgotaro and Albareto mushrooms. It is almost impossible for anyone to comprehend the culinary delight that this province has to offer.

If you are looking for the best Parma home food experience with market tour, Emilia Delizia offers an amazing and detailed culinary tour. This is a culinary company with a travel planner that mainly focuses on gourmet food tours around Italy. No one knows the Parma area like us. Emilia Delizia offers exclusive market tours as well as cooking lessons. Parma’s culinary art is as a result of the interaction between customs from Lombard and the Byzantine ancient traditions. The encounter between the populaces found in these two regions led to the development of flavorful and distinct cuisines. For a more engaging and entertaining experience, below are some of the people who will take our clients to the local market to buy food and take them home for an eye-opening cooking lesson.


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1. Maria Cristina

From Maria’s eyes, Parma is a beautiful and breathtaking provincial city with a fresh breeze of air as well as an amazing culinary experience. Maria’s amazing residence is framed right in Parma. While in her house, clients have the privilege of learning the secrets of various Parma cuisines. There is a cooking guide who has decades of kitchen experience along with a great level of mastery in preparing and serving unique menus.

Main Menu

The basis of the menu that is used here is how you can discover the enchanting soul of Parma’s unique cuisine. Clients are able to learn how to prepare:

• Plum Tart
• Anolini pie
• Strolghino sausage
• Rose of Parma
• Tasting of the finely-aged Parmesan type of cheese
• String beans

2. Paola B.

Paola’s characteristic residence is found in the neighborhoods of Oltretorrente, Parma. It offers visitors the stunning views of the Ducal park and it is just a few meters from the center. Clients have the chance of enjoying the serenity and the environmentally-friendly nature of the nearby park. One thing that people usually learn while at Paola’s home is not only culinary skills but also her fashion skills. Note that she is known by profession as a fashion designer.

Paola’s interest has been well-cultivated since she was a child. She loves to sample and experiment with different types of dishes. From using the old tradition to adding modern flavors, her culinary skills are top-notch. According to her, the warmth of her family is derived from homemade dishes. So what are some of her favorite recipes? Well, they include a greens pie that’s known as Erbazzone, pasta pillows which are stuffed with herbs and sprinkled with butter that has been melted.

The Menu

The main menu that is found here include:

• Hot doughnut in addition to malvasia and zabaglione.
• Parmigiana –Reggiano with ham or salmistrata
• Baked crostini with Italian cheese and sausage.
• Parmagiano –Reggiano flakes & Marsala
• Rustic potatoes
• Savarin di riso plus Borgotaro porcini mushrooms
• ‘Tortelli – d’erbetta’
• Dried plums with pork tenderloin
• Meringues, dark chocolate, and semifreddo.
• Bacon, vinegar, radicchio, and garlic etc.

3. Margherita D.

Margherita’s apartment is found close to the walls of the Parma city. Clients are guaranteed a great time including a market tour and a guide to various type of local flavors. This area of Parma has a rich heritage in terms of culinary traditions. Most of the agricultural products that come from this part of Italy are renowned globally so some people may be already familiar with some of the local dishes. In Margherita’s own words, one thing that holds families together in Emilia Romagna is cooking and it’s the reason she started cooking from a very early age.

The Main Menu

It includes two types of “feast of flavors”. The first one contains:

• The Duchess cake
• A mixture of vegetables and beetroots
• Pumpkin tortelli dipped in tomato sauce
• Homemade bread with a local, well-sliced salami.
• Bollito-misto, preserves, and sauce.

The second “feast of flavors” contains:

• Semi-freddo, amaretti crisp and almond.
• Seasoned salad.
• Parma ham, walnut bread with melon.
• Veal & artichokes

4. Stefania G.

To Stefania, Parma is a great destination that boasts of a rich and unique culinary tradition. The prized local products boast of global fame. Stefania is a Cesarina who offers clients an amazing opportunity to learn the parmesan cuisine and experience its authenticity. Her luxurious culinary skills, as well as the excellent culinary products, help to bring out the mouthwatering taste of Parmesan foods and offers clients a chance to try some of the best dishes.

Main Menu

Stefania’s recipes which are used to prepare dishes in this menu are based on recipes which she learned from her grandmother and handed down to her with love. They include:

• Garden vegetables
• Assorted cold cuts & potato fritter
• Herb-tortelli, Parmigiano-Reggiano with butter.
• Tortelli that is filled with the Zucchella jam
• Roast potatoes with stuffed veal-brisket that’s oven cooked.

For culinary lovers, Emilia Delizia has everything that you need. The guides and the instructors are well versed with the English language and clients are only taken in small groups with an option of semi-private tours. Furthermore, the tour is made more comfortable with air-con Mercedes vans and you get a chance to travel and learn new culinary delights with like-minded individuals. The Parma tour includes a visit to the Parmesan cheese production company with guaranteed tastings. Note that visiting the cheese factory is like going back in time and clients are able to extensively learn about the secrets of making cheese and how its production has evolved over the past decades.

Besides those, clients also have the chance of exploring various farms and get to witness olive or grape harvesting as well as other activities which are related to agriculture and food production. Note that the market tours are very flexible. The above-mentioned Cesarinas are masters in Parma’s culinary delight. Their extensive experience which spans decades means that clients have the chance to learn directly from the hands of the masters.

Best Parma Ham Factories That You Can Visit (On your Own)

Italy has long been a dream destination for many, featuring an abundance of stunning architecture, rich history, and diverse culinary delights that cater to every palate. While pizza and pasta are undoubtedly Italian food icons, the country also excels in the fine art of curing ham, with Parma ham holding its own as one of the finest meats globally. Parma, a city in Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region, is renowned for its prosciutto di Parma, a delectable treat for food enthusiasts and travelers alike.

Unveiling the Secrets of Parma’s Prosciutto: Top Ham Tours in the Heart of Italy

A visit to Parma offers the unique opportunity to explore and experience the intricate world of Italian cured meats through educational tours provided by many of the city’s esteemed ham shops. These guided tours allow visitors to witness the entire process of creating these culinary masterpieces, from selecting and slicing the meat to curing, aging, and, ultimately, tasting the final product. Parma’s ham shops are a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an authentic taste of Italian culture and gastronomy.

Savor the Flavors of Parma: A Journey Through Italy’s Finest Prosciutto Experiences

In the following sections, we will introduce some of the best places to embark on a prosciutto tour in Parma. Each location offers a unique insight into the age-old tradition of Italian ham-making, revealing the secrets behind the exquisite flavors that have made prosciutto di Parma a beloved delicacy worldwide. Prepare to indulge in a gastronomic adventure that celebrates Italy’s love for quality ingredients, time-honored techniques, and the pursuit of perfection in every bite.

Salumificio La Perla

Parma ham tour
Parma ham tour

Address: Localita Quinzano Sotto, 3, Parma, Italy
Opening Hours: Call ahead
Why Visit this place? :


La Perla a family-owned and operated establishment, warmly welcomes visitors to embark on a fascinating and personalized prosciutto tour. As you are guided through the process by passionate family members themselves, you’ll have the opportunity to witness firsthand the intricate steps involved in crafting their exquisite hams. The dedication and love poured into their work are evident in every aspect of the business, ensuring that each product is made with the utmost care and precision.

The tour highlights La Perla’s impressive production capabilities, with the facility churning out an astounding 60,000 hams annually. This number speaks to the high demand for their exceptional quality prosciutto di Parma, which has become a sought-after delicacy among food enthusiasts worldwide.

After exploring the inner workings of La Perla’s ham-making process, guests are treated to a delightful meal showcasing their finest meats, accompanied by a selection of delectable cheeses and perfectly paired local wines. This gastronomic experience offers an unparalleled opportunity to indulge in the rich flavors of Italy’s culinary heritage.

Prosciutto Bar Rosa dell’Angelo

prosciutto bar
prosciutto bar

Address: Via Per Parma 6, 43029, Traversetolo, Italy
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Why visit this place?
Prosciutto Bar is one of the unique places in the area since they have their own Biodiversity Park farm where they take their products from. They raise their pigs for the ham and cows for the cheese. And one might think that it’s typical to have pigs and cows, but what makes this place unique are their black pigs and heirloom cow species which they are trying to save.
Aside from meeting the owners personally, you will also get to see how their products are made such as their 24 months Parma ham and their black pig ham. And of course, after the tour, you get to taste their delicious food paired with the best wines!

Salumificio Conti

conti

Address:
Strada Fontana 2/A, 43013, Langhirano, Italy

Why Visit this place?


Conti is another family-owned business where family members show you the process of preparing their ham. Since it is family owned, you will feel the passion and warmth that they have for what they do. Just like other tours, here, you will see the process of how they prepare the ham from slicing the meat, salting it and until ageing. What makes this place stand out is their process of ageing the meats. What people are not aware of is that meats taste different throughout time. A ham aged for 12 months would feel different than a 24 month aged meat. And after the tour, guests will have the opportunity to have a taste and compare the feelings of hams that are aged differently.

Salumeria Gardoni

gardoni
gardoni

Address: Piazza Luigi Leoni 5, 43013 Torrechiara, Langhirano, Italy
Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM, 3:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Why Visit this place? :


In this charcuterie store , you will get to have firsthand experience with a ham expert who is also the owner of the place. Everything you need to know about the preparation of Parma ham will be taught to you. And after learning all about ham, you get to have a lovely meal and taste the best ham this store has to offer.

These are the best prosciutto Places to Visit in Parma. If you happen to be around the area for a visit, make sure to reserve a tour around these stores so you would be able to see the beauty of preparing ham and would also get to taste the different kinds of meat!

Conclusion:

In conclusion, a visit to Parma, Italy, promises an unforgettable gastronomic adventure that goes beyond the iconic pizza and pasta dishes. The city’s renowned prosciutto di Parma is a testament to Italy’s dedication to perfecting the art of curing ham, offering food lovers the chance to explore and savor the complex flavors of this delectable meat. By embarking on a prosciutto tour in Parma, you can gain a deeper appreciation for the time-honored techniques and passion that go into crafting these culinary masterpieces. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to discover the world of Italian cured meats and indulge in the finest prosciutto experiences that Parma has to offer.

Culatello Ham: Where To Taste And Tour in Parma

Culatello is an exclusive type of meat found in the Italian regions. With an origin dating back to the 15th century, this dish is one of the crown jewels of the Italian cuisine. The flatlands to the north of the Parma province of Italy serve as the production house for culatello. The Po River flowing nearby adds to the development and growth of the dish.

With the perfect climate for breeding and aging the meat, Zibello City is strategically placed as the production factory for culatello. The aroma and the sweetness in the meat comes from the thick fogs over River Po and the nail biting winters of Zibello, making it quite exclusive.

Culatello is basically the hind legs of pigs who are specially bred in the Emilia Romagna and the Lombardy regions of Italy. After the meat is processed, it is wrapped in twine which gives it its iconic pear shape. The meat is then wrapped as pork bladder and is stored away in a cool place. The secret of Culatello is based on the fact that it is washed in white wine before serving, putting the dish on the top of the Italian cuisine card.

Antica corte Pallavincina

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Antica corte Pallavincina is a castle estate in the Polesine Parmese province of Italy. Housed on the Parma lowlands, this estate is one of the best places in Italy where you can take a quick bite of Cutello. The magnificent estate with its kitchen gardens, ancient castle cellars and the vast lands for grazing are a treat to the eyes and an experience to remember.

Apart from the kitchen gardens and the grazing farmlands, a visit to Cremona will set you adrift on memory lanes. It is a city where street dwellers will mesmerize you with their violins and melodious music, soft enough to cool your restless nerves. Musical maestro G.Verdi’s house and the parish church are some of the must visit spots if you wish to relive the olden times. There is also a museum dedicated in the honour of G.Guareschi, the famous writer of Don Camillo stories.

The highlight of the trip still remains the visit to the cellars of the ancient castle. The cellars have been in operation since 1320, where they were used to mature cheese obtained from the farm and to cure the salami produce. The dukes of Milan and the highest ranking nobles were treated to the famous salami from the cellars of Corte. The cellars also hold cookery classes as well as candle light dinners and a briefing about the local heritage.

Al Vedel (Podere-Cadassa)

Al Vedel is located in the Colorno region of the Parma farmlands. This site in the PO valley is also known as the Italian food valley and dates back to the 18th century. The farmhouse was converted into a meat processing centre and a restaurant by the Bergonzi family, so as to highlight the gastronomical culture of Parma. The area is famous for its culinary culture as is evidenced by its creativity in making traditional dishes like the Cutello.

Podere Cadassa offers a tour of this ancient gastronomy centre. There’s a restaurant, a ham storage section as well as the beautiful cottage gardens, culatello cellars, outdoor sittings, meat processing area etc. The place offers an insight about the age old traditions and the recipes of the region. They believe in always adding flair something that is already excellent.

The culatello cellars are lined from the floor to the ceilings with the twinned hams. There is also a mention of the date and the quality on each and every meat present in the cellar. The processing and the making of the fine Culatello is indeed a visual treat for anyone present there. The cellars also boast of a live tasting section of the fresh culatello mixed wand dried with the wine.

Bre del Gallo

Bre del Gallo lies on the banks of river Po in the small village of Fontanelle di Roccabianca. It is managed by the Magnani family, a family whose generations have farmed on the Parma land. Their primary duty is to safeguard the ancient flavours of the region. Today, Bre del Gallo uses modern technology and the highest standards of food tasting in its management of regional dishes.

Termed as the slow food capital of the world, this Parma territory is home to one of the finest meat processing centres as well as vast farms, Culatello cellars and even the wine tasting cellars. The processing done here is of the highest standards, using modern machinery and traditional expertise. The farmlands, cottage and the Po River are all visible from this estate. The best season to visit and experience the true beauty of the farm is the Winter season from November to January.

The Culatello cellars focus on quality using modern methods. From meat cutting to twinning, from wrapping in pork to washing with wine, every process is explained and demonstrated in detail in the cellars. The tasting of the iconic dish follows these processes, making it an on-the-go cookery master session.

La Fattoria

La fattoria di Parma lies between Parma and Fidenza on the Via Emilia. It is one of the training centres and production factories for the salami and culatello dishes. It regularly conducts educational workshops for nutrition students so as to enlighten them about the techniques of mass production for preserving the local flavours. There are also factory tours for industry professionals.

The territory includes meat processing centres, salami factories, farmlands, culatello tasting-centre, as well as culatello cellars among the other facilities. There is also a gift wrapping section where visitors can view the wrapping of processed ham into packages. From the breeding section of the pigs to the butchery, everything is well-maintained on the farm grounds. The quality of culatello at the La fattoria factory comes from their specially bred pigs of the local farms.

A visit to the culatello cellars is unlike a visit to any other farm in the Parma region. The selection of pigs, butchery and the quality marking process describe how the ham selected is made into culatello. The final dish, served with wine, is to be enjoyed in the cool weather of the farm. These cellars offer a glimpse in the art of making the culatello as one of Italy’s most sought after dishes.

Conclusion:
Some of the most iconic dishes taste best when they are prepared in their original habitat. Culatello is one such dish; a dish which can be best experienced in the Parma province of Italy, the original place of the Italian gastronomical marvel. The fact that it is prepared with the traditional techniques, the original ingredients and the ancient processes makes Culatello one of Italy’s culinary wonder dishes.

Pepèn in Parma Best Street Food in Emilia.

If you are visiting Parma forget Culatello and Parma ham for a moment, you have to try this place at least once. Pepèn is a panini place in Parma that has been very popular with the locals for the last 50 years. The small shop can have huge crowds waiting for their meal consisting mainly of sandwiches. Everything seemed very nice and tasty so the choice can be hard to make. We tried the tasty “Carciofa” a savory tart with ricotta cheese, parmesan and artichokes, also the famous panino Spacca Balle (ball breaker) with roast beef and also the Panino con cavallo crudo, a very tasty sandwich with horse tartare, of course only for those foodies who are a bit adventurous. One of the best street food that we have tried in Italy at very convenient prices, expect to pay 5 euros per sandwich with a menu that changes depending on the day of the week, also serve wines and beers. Opens for lunch and dinner from Tuesday to Saturday. It is very central at Borgo S.Ambrogio 2, 43100 Parma, Italy. Here you will find their official Facebook page.

pepen italy
Raw horse meat panini in Parma

Foodies’ Stay in Parma at Cheese Producing Farm

Cheese is certainly an acquired taste. If you, however, love cheese and especially parmesan, there’s nothing like a visit to Parma’s regionally renowned cheese producing farm. This popular venue is a haven for cheese lovers and enthusiasts alike. Whether for family vacations or foodies’ gatherings, this fully functional farm in Parma is simply unique at every turn. With lavish and elegant B&B accommodations to a fully course breakfast, the agriturismo truly captures the allure and essence of agrarian Italy. As part of your package, you and your loved ones will see the magic behind Parmesan production. There is also a Balsamic vinegar tasting tour, along with a gourmet lunch and cured meat tasting courtesy of Parma’s top ham producer.

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Parmesan tasting In Italy
Parmesan tour

The Tour

With the help of the owner who will do a  guided tour, foodies will simply love visiting the local dairy and cheese producing farm. Upon arrival, guests will meet the farm producer for itinerary and map details. As a fully operational farm, the location in Parma continues to soar in regional popularity. In fact, the farms are a great alternative to pricey and over priced hotels. Whether travelling for business or pleasure, your 2 night tour is guaranteed to be entertaining and educational. From tantalizing tasting tours to mouth watering farmer style breakfasts, what better way to enjoy Mother Nature than at Parma’s top dairy farm? If you love cheese and parmesan, this trip will truly meet your needs within time and budget.

The Parma Farm

The Parma Farm stays and visits are organised by Emiliza Delizia.  As one of the most visited countries in the world, Italy has so many foodie’s things to see, do and eat. Whether you love fine wines, or culture and history, Parma simply has it all. With simplicity at its finest, now is the perfect time to visit this great venue and spend countless hours of fun. You can also contact the farm for any questions or inquiries in regards to tasting tours and accomodations.

Cooking classes in Parma.

For those interested in learn how to cook dishes from the parma cuisine it is also possible to organise cookery classes in the region.

bnb in Parma
Parmesan producing farm with accommodation

where to stay in Parma
Farm Stay in Parma

 

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