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It is difficult to leave Apulia without buying locally produced food or drink as the kitchen is the place that best expresses the spirit of this region. Here you can find unique ingredients on Apulia’s menus that are particular to the local climate and terrain.
The best known product is the rich yellow fragrant Pane di Altamura bread. However, this is just an appetizer to the other products you can find here such as Turi cherries, Faeto prosciutto or the Goia del Colle Mozzarella cheese (literally ‘Joy of the Hills’). Visit the tourist towns of Monte Sant’ Angelo and Alberobelli, to find shops selling local delicacies close to the major monuments and attractions. Many even offer a vacuum packing service, to help keep products fresh during the return journey.
In the smaller centres around the province don’t enter the local shops if you are in a hurry. Expect the queue to move slowly as each purchase is accompanied by an exchange between the customer and shopkeeper about the purchase of the day, advice about recipes and cooking methods. Never be afraid to ask for advice as everyone is only too happy to offer.
The area is especially known for its production of wine and oil which are the main agricultural products in this region. You will see vineyards and olive groves all around the area and there are even special oil and wine routes you can follow that take you to the best places to taste and buy the products.
The local markets are a great way to find local fruit and vegetables such as onions and Taranto Clementines. Along with the fresh food section you can also find household goods and clothes. Hidden amongst the cheap imported goods you can also find locally produced ceramic pans, usually brown in colour that depict the symbol of the region: – a cockerel. Attractive and easy to clean, they have a natural non-stick quality and are believed to give food a special flavour.
Text by Giampaolo Nanula
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