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.
delicious looking honey
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.
Doesn't it make you want to eat it??
cheese being made on the spot
The teacher’s face was screened on the whey – how clever!
slightly ghostly
Here's a man who loves his buffalo
And who can blame him when she makes such lovely mozzarella?
people come from everywhere for Salone del Gusto
Sopressa del Palladio
We were given a generous portion to try, and I can report that it was excellent.
superb cheese
A very serious discussion about prosciutto
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.
slicing the prosciutto
making bread
these were very long leeks
beautiful borlotti beans
perfect capsicums
rice for risotto
a cheese door
expensive balsamic - 85 and 45 euro
sbandieratore - flag throwers
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.
bread, mozzarella and tomatoes gathered at Salone
It was time to return to the hotel to gather our strength for day 2 at Salone del Gusto.