Basilicata

Lying on the instep of the Italian 'boot', with hot, windswept, dry summers, Basilicata is one of the most unsophisticated areas of Italy, and its food reflects this. Peasants still keep pigs and nothing is wasted of the animal, not even the squeak they say! Pork products are prized, especially lucanica sausage, and hot dried chilli flavours most dishes. Wheat and olive trees are cultivated to make bread and pasta, and the oil that is so important in local cooking.