The Salone del Gusto is held in the Lingottto Centre inTorino every 2 years. It is a showcase for those interested in the Slow Food movement and brings together people who have something creative to contribute to the growing, producing and selling of food – farmers, cooks, shepherds and small production companies. Terra Madre is held in conjuntion with Salone del Gusto. According to Paolo Di Croce, (Secretary General of Terre Madre Foundation) “The Turin meeting is an opportunity for exchange and understanding between producers and other actors in the food sector, representing a different approach to food production: observant to environmental resources and planetry equilibrium, sustainable development, the preservation of biodiversity, product quality and quality of life for producers.” Aren’t you glad someone is doing this? I am.
I have been 3 times now, and I love it. There is delicious food on display, to see and to taste, from all over Italy and beyond. The Lingotto Fiere is huge. It used to be a Fiat factory and storage area and is now a perfect showcase for this excellent food festival. Delegates from countries all over the world come to Terre Madre. Any one can attend Salone del Gusto, and they do in their thousands. You should book ahead if you want to attend, and go in the first 2 days. It becomes impossible crowded on the weekend. We were among the first people inside the building, so were able to cruise around without too much difficulty. There is so much to see, I have had difficulty choosing photos to show you.
The first stand we came upon was wonderful honey. We were the first to dip our spoons in for a taste – and the first to make a purchase.
The teacher’s face was screened on the whey – how clever!
And who can blame him when she makes such lovely mozzarella?
We were given a generous portion to try, and I can report that it was excellent.
Italians take their prosciutto very seriously, and I’m glad they do. We have an excellent selection at our local shops in Bagni di Lucca. I don’t think I have ever had a bad one.
There is nothing I like better than a bit of flag throwing. Click here to see the fabulous flag throwers for Alba. At this point on day 1 we were a bit over looking at food, so we gathered some supplies and headed to the park by the Po and had a little picnic.
It was time to return to the hotel to gather our strength for day 2 at Salone del Gusto.
This looks great! We were introduced to the Slow Food movement on our trip to Torino this year and we loved it! It’s spreading across the globe, as indeed it should.
http://richardtulloch.wordpress.com/2010/08/27/turin-italy-go-slow-by-the-po-torino/
By: Richard Tulloch on November 2, 2010
at 12:41 am
You should go to Torino in 2012. It is great fun.
By: bagnidilucca on November 2, 2010
at 5:50 am
All that food: I can taste another visit coming on!
On the last trip I was concerned about the amount of pasta, bread, cheese and prociutto I ate. I also did a lot of walking and actually lost 3kg.
By: colin on November 2, 2010
at 1:04 am
My mouth’s watering already seeing that scrumptious looking bread covered with mozzarella, proscuitto and ripe tomatoes! Count us in for the next Salone del Gusto. Would that be in 2012?
By: Anonymous on November 2, 2010
at 1:15 am
I love food markets & the odd couple of European food fairs I’ve been too, I could spend a whole lot more time in this life I reckon sauntering around places like this. Your right, they sure can do wonders to smallgoods, we Aussies could learn a lot from their techniques.
By: Anna Johnston on November 2, 2010
at 2:54 am
Thanks Deb for this wonderful information and gorgeous photos. How fabulous! We had an Italian friend for dinner the other night and he knew of the slow food festival…..and couldn’t believe i had heard of it. I told him how over the years you have told us how fabulous it is. This is a must. I am so happy to see these photos. It is just how I imagined it to be. Absolutely fabulous.
By: Moira Drexler on November 2, 2010
at 7:29 am
I wish i was there)
I love especially the honey!
One of the best local produces in here (Sudan) is honey. I am having it day and night:)
Mirella
By: mirellamccracken on November 2, 2010
at 7:58 am
I am so jealous! I am going to make a point to go to this the next time it happens. It’s everything that I love!
By: paninigirl on November 2, 2010
at 2:18 pm
Oh how I would love to go to this one. That honey looks truly amazing…and the balsamic, I wonder how it tasted at that price. What a magical food day, I might have to put this on my to do list.
By: cityhippyfarmgirl on November 3, 2010
at 2:41 am
The balsamic was absolutely wonderful. It is very thick and syrupy and is obviouslyused sparingly.
By: bagnidilucca on November 3, 2010
at 6:17 am
What an amazing gathering! And that picture of the chef and the buffalo is great 😀
By: Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella on November 3, 2010
at 10:23 am
I’m going to HAVE to go to the next Fair too!!
Fabulous info and photos Deb.
By: mary D on November 3, 2010
at 9:11 pm
You really must go in 2012. There is a lot to do in the towns around Torino as well – dinners in wonderful little restaurants – so much fun.
By: bagnidilucca on November 3, 2010
at 9:58 pm
Great post and photos.
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at 5:49 pm
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