There’s absolutely no questioning the beauty of Campania – thousands and thousands of us head there every year to snap the pastel-hued villages of the Amalfi Coast, immerse ourselves in the hectic buzz of Naples, soak in the azure waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea and gaze longingly through the windows of designer shops on the idyllic island of Capri. Most of us go for the views and stumble upon delicious things to eat when we get there, but if you’re travelling with food in mind, Campania is a veritable playground of flavour.
Campania sits on the western edge of the Italian durum wheat belt, alongside Puglia, Molise and Abruzzo. Though wheat is grown all over the country, this specific latitude provides ideal conditions for some very specific and delicious ancient wheat varieties. As a result, the Campanese are experts when it comes to pasta and bread. Head to the provincial capital of Naples of course, and you’ll find yourself in the birthplace of pizza – a quintessential Italian dish that lays a solid claim to being the most popular food in the world.
Food in Campania isn’t just about pizza though. Naples has a thriving food scene of its own (and a brilliant coffee culture too), but head out into the the countryside around the city and you’ll find meals revolve around fresh fruit and vegetables, seafood, local cheeses and salumi. The temperate conditions make this region a paradise for fruit and vegetable growers, with the coastal breeze providing a unique microclimate for famous Amalfi and Sorrento lemons. Fishermen bring in huge hauls every day, with everything from the tiny anchovy to the giant octopus in their nets. This is also the home of mozzarella di bufala – casefici (cheesemakers) milk their buffalo herds on the marshy plains and create smooth pearls of mozzarella – the freshest you’ll ever eat in your life. Get yourself prepared for the delights of Campania with our guide below and read more about this incredible region, before recreating some of its most iconic dishes at home.
