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a) Northern and southern Italy have very different climates, which widens
the variety of food that is able to grow in the country. The south has
very warm weather, making it a suitable place to grow dry pastas (the
pasta can dry more quickly in warm weather) like spaghetti and
rigatoni. Fresh pastas like pappardelle and tagliatelle are grown in the
north, as well as stuffed pastas like ravioli. Climate affects which types
of plants and greenery are able to grow in a specific place. Olive trees
grow better in warm weather, which causes olive oil to be used more in
southern cities, whereas northern Italy uses butter and lard in
replacement of olive oil, since the north is too dry for olive trees to live.
The sloping hills in the north cause a dry breeze, which makes it an
ideal location for curing and aging pork, whereas in the south,
vegetables and chillies are grown. Coastal lowlands provide mussels
and clams, and the lakes provide a great variety of fresh water fish,
ducks, and birds.
b) Pasta and lentils are served on New Years Eve and New Years Day,
with their tradition ensuring good luck. Lentils and smoked ham shanks
is another dish eaten on New Years with the beans symbolizing coins,
and the more you eat, the more rich you become. Lasagne is eaten
after Lent (February-March) because it is forbidden to consume during
the religious observance. On March 19, St. Josephs day is celebrated
and Zeppoles (sweet cream filled puffs) are enjoyed throughout the
country. Zeppoles are a light golden pastry dusted with powdered
sugar and filled with a yellow cream. In Italy Christmas Eve is
celebrated with a 7-course fish dinner called la Vigilia. This tradition
dates back to medieval times when Roman Catholics would not eat
meat during holy days. Pastiera is a sweet creamy pie-like dessert that
is made with wheat, ricotta cheese, eggs, milk, and zests of orange or
lemon. In Italy, it is made and eaten on Easter and is meant to
celebrate the coming of spring.
c) Bread, wine, olives, and fish are all common foods eaten in Italian
cuisine because they are referred to in the bible. Northern Italy has
been influenced by the German and French whereas the southerners
have strains of the Spanish and Arab cultures.
http://jovinacooksitalian.com/2014/11/14/geographical-influences-on-italiancuisine/
http://cooking-vacations.com/recipes-of-the-month/italy-festivals-saints-daysholiday-food/
http://www.yourguidetoitaly.com/history-of-italian-food-cuisine.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Italian_meal_structure