Food, flavouring and feed plant traditions in the Tyrrhenian sector of Basilicata, Italy

Paolo Maria Guarrera,Giovanni Salerno,Giulia Caneva

doi:10.1186/1746-4269-2-37

Paolo Maria Guarrera, Giovanni Salerno + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/1746-4269-2-37

Copy DOI

Abstract

Background:Research was carried out in the years 2002–2003 into food, flavouring and feed folk traditions of plants in the Tyrrhenian part of the Basilicata region (southern Italy). This area was colonized in ancient times by Greeks. Data was collected through field interviews, especially of farmers.Methods:Field data were collected through structured interviews. The informants, numbered 49, belonged to families which had strong links with the traditional activities of the area.Results:61 taxa are cited, belonging to 26 botanical families, amongst which 44 used as food or flavouring and 22 for animal alimentation. Besides 7 taxa are involved in rituals especially connected with agriculture and plant growth.Conclusion:The preservation of some rituals especially concerning agricultural plants is noteworthy in the area, together with a certain degree of continuity in food uses. Knowledge and rediscovery of recipes in human and animal diet could represent an economic potential for the area.

Highlights

Research was carried out in the years 2002–2003 into food, flavouring and feed folk traditions of plants in the Tyrrhenian part of the Basilicata region
Conclusion:The preservation of some rituals especially concerning agricultural plants is noteworthy in the area, together with a certain degree of continuity in food uses
Knowledge and rediscovery of recipes in human and animal diet could represent an economic potential for the area

Summary

Introduction

Research was carried out in the years 2002–2003 into food, flavouring and feed folk traditions of plants in the Tyrrhenian part of the Basilicata region (southern Italy). This area was colonized in ancient times by Greeks. The research area is located in Potenza province, between the regions of Campania to the north and of Calabria to the south, including roughly 28 km of coastline This territory (latitude 40°N, longitude 15°45'E) occupies an area of 105,03 km, facing the Gulf of Policastro; it is rich in promontories rising straight from the sea and imposing mountains The climate is coastal Mediterranean with mild temperatures throughout the (page number not for citation purposes)

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion