3 Foods to Try in Emilia-Romagna - Italy's Secret Culinary Star

Exploring Italy's cuisine is a fun, alternative way to learn about the country's heritage and culture. Gastronomes often want to explore cuisine in Bologna along with art in Florence, history in Rome, and vineyards in Tuscany.

These are spectacular, but if you've visited Italy before or want a less-traveled destination, there are alternatives. Consider Emilia-Romagna, Italy's sixth-largest region and one of its best-kept secrets. Named "Italy's Greatest Gastronomic Treasure" by Forbes, it has all the ingredients for a fantastic Italian holiday, including magnificent art, stunning scenery, and lovely vineyards.

Situated in north-central Italy, Emilia-Romagna's natural borders include the River Po, the Apennine Mountains, and the Adriatic Sea. Its landscapes, which include panoramic mountain views and the longest beach in Europe, are varied and spectacular.

Medieval villages, charming canal cities, and picturesque hamlets dot the region, each with a unique history, architecture, and local food specialties.

Three of Emilia-Romagna's cities and ten cultural and natural spots are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Home to Italy's celebrated Motor City and the birthplace of Maserati, Ducati, De Tomaso, Lamborghini, Stanguellini, Pagani and, Ferrari, the region is a destination for exotic car enthusiasts from around the world.

And then, there's the food. Many travelers know about the food of Bologna, the capital of Emilia-Romagna. Home to the oldest university in the world, it's said that the city's cuisine evolved along with the institution, founded in 1088.

Bologna's most famous dish is tortellini, traditionally prepared fresh, and served in broth. This popular dish from the region's most well-known city is just one of many foods that contribute to its reputation. Nineteen delicacies from Emilia-Romagna are certified as Denominazione di Origine Protetta, or "Protected Designation of Origin" (DOP) foods, more than any other area of Europe. Here are four more you must sample:

1. Cured Meats - No table in Emilia-Romagna is complete without a tray of salumi. This tradition dates back to Roman times, before refrigeration. Prosciutto di Parma is the best known, with its savory-with-a hint-of-sweet goodness owing to the region's microclimate and locally raised pigs. Make sure to also try Mortadella di Bologna, Coppa Piacentina, and the highly prized Culatello di Zibello.

2. Parmigiano Reggiano - Tour a cheese dairy to witness the fascinating cheesemaking process firsthand. Each certified wheel of cheese originates from Reggiana dairy cows bred in Emilia-Romagna and is crafted according to precise methods. Finish your tour by sampling the firm yet delicate cheese straight from the dairy's aging cellar.

3. Balsamic Vinegar - Authentic balsamic vinegar is another DOP food that hat can only be produced in Emilia-Romagna. It differs significantly from balsamic vinegar you purchase at the grocery store in that it contains only one ingredient - grape juice. Producers follow strict processes that date back hundreds of years.

These building-block ingredients only begin to scratch the surface of gastronomic fare and experiences in Emilia-Romagna, which would be a fantastic component of an Italian itinerary or post-cruise extension.