Nepi, in addition to its rich history, culture, and natural landscapes, is also brimming with unique culinary traditions. From smoked cured meats to robust cheeses, each specialty of Nepi is the result of a skillful blend of ancient knowledge and recipes passed down through generations. Here’s an overview of the culinary delights that make Nepi an unmissable destination for food lovers and enthusiasts of gastronomic culture.
Norcineria Tradition of Nepi
The Norcineria Tradition of Nepi is a fundamental chapter in the rich gastronomic history of this city. At the heart of this tradition lies Salame Cotto, a true gem of the local culinary scene. Made exclusively with lean cuts carefully selected from pork shoulder, this delicacy stands out for its intense flavor and distinctive texture. The smoking process, combined with marination in wine and garlic, imparts Salame Cotto with a delightfully robust aroma and a lingering flavor that captivates the palate. A true pleasure for food enthusiasts, it has been recognized as a Slow Food product, a testament to its exceptional quality and deep-rooted tradition. Local butchers, each with their own “secret” recipe, bring a variety to this product that, despite its diversity, consistently maintains an extraordinary level of excellence.
Equally remarkable are other specialties such as porchetta, expertly seasoned and roasted to achieve perfect crispness, sausages, bursting with the flavors and aromas of the region, and scapicollata, a cured and smoked pork belly that stands as another gem of Nepi’s culinary heritage. These products, alongside with Salame Cotto, form the pillars of Nepi’s norcineria tradition, celebrated for its mastery in crafting pork delicacies and its ability to transform simple ingredients into unforgettable gastronomic creations.
Pecorino Romano Cheese
The Pecorino Romano produced by the Fratelli Fulvi in Nepi is a cheese of distinction, celebrated for its bold flavor and unique texture. The salting technique, passed down through generations, and the extended aging process endow this cheese with exceptional quality. When aged, it takes center stage in traditional Roman pasta dishes, while in its fresher form, it pairs perfectly with fava beans. Nepi’s Pecorino Romano, along with Salame Cotto, is the star of the annual festival held on the second weekend of May, drawing visitors from across central Italy.
Agriculture and the Onions from Nepi
Nepi boasts a long-standing and deeply rooted agricultural tradition that stretches back to ancient times. In the past, many local farmers cultivated vegetables which were then sold in Roman markets, helping to establish a reputation for excellence that endures to this day. One of Nepi’s signature vegetable-based dishes is the “Vignarola“, a flavorful soup brimming with an array of garden-fresh produce. Even in modern times, local farms continue to produce high-quality vegetables, adhering to principles of sustainability and short supply chains. Among these, numerous varieties of onions stand out, earning the people of Nepi the historical nickname of “cipollari” (onion growers).
The Cipolla di Nepi, in particular, is a prized variety known for its flattened shape and generous size. This onion is renowned not only for its incredible sweetness but also for its easy digestibility, making it a favorite ingredient among professional chefs and home cooks alike. Grown using methods that honor ancient traditions and respect the environment, the Cipolla di Nepi is incredibly versatile: it shines both cooked and raw, adding a touch of sweetness to a wide range of dishes, from fresh salads to rich, flavorful stews. Its presence in dishes reflects a deep connection to the land and the culinary history of Nepi, serving as a symbol of an agricultural heritage that continues to thrive in harmony with nature and quality.
Acqua di Nepi
Nepi is also known as the “City of Waters” and is celebrated not only for its rich history and cultural heritage but also for the exceptional quality of its natural resources, with Acqua di Nepi standing out as a true gem. This naturally sparkling water is a treasure that springs from the heart of the Lazio region, where it is enriched with minerals that enhance its taste and beneficial properties.
Acqua di Nepi is known and appreciated nationwide for its extraordinary freshness and purity, representing a natural heritage of inestimable value. Its unique profile has captured the attention of renowned chefs who regularly choose it to accompany their most refined dishes. This preference is due to Nepi’s water’s ability to enhance flavors, blending harmoniously with various culinary compositions without ever overpowering them.
In Italy, Acqua di Nepi is synonymous with excellence, chosen for its superlative quality by high-end restaurants and those who seek not only to quench their thirst but also an element that enriches the gastronomic experience. Acqua di Nepi thus represents not just a consumable product but a true ambassador of the Nepi area, showcasing the importance of Nepi as a reference point for high-quality natural resources.
Visiting Nepi and its culinary delights is an experience that goes beyond simple tasting; it’s a journey into the history, culture, and traditions of a land that has much to offer. Each product tells a story of passion, dedication, and love for the land. We invite you to discover, taste, and fall in love with the authentic excellence of Nepi.
