Emilia Romagna

Emilia Romagna's region occupies the north-central portion of Italy south of the Po River. Emilia Romagna nearly extends across the country with its eastern border along the Adriatic Sea and its western area bordering the Liguria. To the north, Emilia Romagna borders the regions of Lombardy and the Veneto while to the south lie Le Marche, Tuscany and the Independent republic of San Marino. It is in the area around Bologna and Modena that the central Italian mountain chain, the Apennines start to rise on their way toward the south. The flatlands of Emilia Romagna are home to intensive agriculture ranging from wheat and grapes to livestock. The once useless marshlands of Romagna have now given way to the chemical industry as well as the rebirth of a number of seaside resorts such as the ancient city of Rimini.

Emilia Romagna gives uncountable culinary gifts to the Italian food as the pasta, sauces, cheeses and pork products, the products of Emilia Romagna are world famous and still made in the traditional fashion. Stuffed pasta includes the Tortellini of Emilia and the Cappelletti of Romagna, served with the famous Bolognese Ragu. Emilia Romagna has the Italian cheese most popular and imitated; the Parmigiano-Reggiano has found its way into recipes around the world. Pork products include Parma's famous Prosciutto, Zibello's time-honored Culatello, Bologna's Mortadella and the Zamponi (stuffed trotter sausage) of Modena. Romagna is home to fish and seafood dishes, with eels being a favorite of Comacchio. The area of Modena is also the home of the coveted Balsamic vinegar of Modena, yet another masterpiece of Emilia Romagna that is often imitated, but never duplicated. The wines of Emilia Romagna are also very popular throughout Italy much like its food.