patterns of sicily kaitlin wescott cultural durum wheat, olive oil, honey, cheese, fruits,...
TRANSCRIPT
CONTRIBUTING FACTORS •Unique terrain and geographic location
• Invasions
• Racism from Northern Italy
• Mafia
GEOGRAPHY
• Largest island in the Mediterranean Sea
• Sub – tropical climate
• Primarily mountainous terrain
• The Plain of Catania: largest stretch of flat land
• Volcanoes provide fertile soil
INVASIONS: ANCIENT GREEKS
• 8th century, BC
• Cultivated resources for export to Greece and its colonies
• Primitive farming techniques
• Durum wheat, olive oil, honey, cheese, fruits, vegetables
• Classical ruins remain throughout the islandValley of the Temples, Agrigento, Sicily
INVASIONS: ANCIENT ROMANS• Became a province of the Roman Republic after the First Punic War
• Mid-2nd century, BC
• Maintained primitive farming techniques
• Increased food production and exports
• Durum wheat, olive oil, honey, cheese, fruits, vegetables, olives, salted tuna, wine
Mosaic floor in Villa Romana de Casale ,Piazza Armerina, Sicily
INVASIONS: NORTH AFRICAN ARABS
• 827 AD
• Armies from Tunisia landed on Sicily’s southwestern coast
• Most lasting cultural influences
• Advanced farming innovations
• Irrigation allowed for expansion of farms and establishment of new towns
• Introduced the cultivation of sugarcane, eggplant, short grain rice
• Introduced couscous, gelato, granita, and the classic cassata cake
MAFIA INFLUENCE AND RACISM FROM THE NORTHMAFIA
•Gained power in late 19th century
• Terrorized Sicilian citizens
• Taxed daily life
• Contributed to Northern Italian’s negative perceptions of Sicilians
NORTHERN RACISM
• Movement of industry out of Sicily, into Northern Italy
• Widespread perception in Northern Italy of Southerners being inferior, unintelligent criminals
• Due to the the many cultural influences of Sicily
POPULAR FOODS Grains•Durum wheat products
•Pasta
•Couscous
•Bread
•Short grain rice
Vegetables•Eggplant
•Tomatoes
•Potatoes
•Celery
•Assorted squash
Fruits•Citrus fruits
•Pomegranates
•Grapes/raisins
•Currants
•Almonds & hazelnuts
•Olives
Legumes•Fava beans
•Chickpeas
•Lentils
POPULAR FOODS Dairy Products
•Sheep’s milk•Ricotta•Pecorino•Tuma
•Cow’s milk•Caciocavallo•Ricotta
Meats•Pork•Beef•Lamb•Chicken•Sausages & preserved meats
Seafood•Tuna•Swordfish•Sardines•Anchovies•Crustaceans
Beverages•Wine•Espresso• Liqueurs
Spices•Basil•Fennel•Cinnamon•Capers•Vinegar
PRANZO• Mid-day meal• Businesses close and people go home for lunch
• Largest meal of the day
• First course: carbohydrates (Pasta or soup with pastina)• Example: Pasta a la Norma (pasta with eggplant)
• Second course: protein (fish or meat) and vegetable• Example: Grilled swordfish with stewed swisschard
• Third course: fresh seasonal fruit• Example: Oranges or berries
• Fourth course: Espresso