Generally speaking pasta is the most authentic Italian food which is generally consumed as the first course. Certain areas like the far north however like to start off with polenta or risotto. Meat is an integral part of the Italian cuisine but it is not something that you will find on the tables everyday. The Italians are more into consuming vegetables, legumes and different kinds of grains on a daily basis. Olive oil too is an integral part of the Italian cuisine but it is available in different variations. For example the olive oil used in the north is more refined and golden in color as compared to the dark green oil commonly used in the south.
Vegetables, fruits, grains, cheeses, fish and different kinds of meat are the basic elements of the authentic Italian cuisine. No matter what dish is prepared in Italy it is almost always seasoned with olive oil. An interesting element to rise out of Italy is its poor people’s diet. The diet that came into being due to scarce economic resources is now being considered as the ideal model according to which we should shape our everyday diet. Thus the Mediterranean diet is considered to be one that is very healthy.
