Hidden treasures

'Pici': a wholly Tuscan tradition

Did you know that...
Pici_toscani

'Pici': a wholly Tuscan tradition

Every year the Ministry of Food and Agriculture compiles a list containing elements that must be protected and safeguarded for their cultural importance and their deep bond with the traditions of Italian regions. And guess what Tuscan delicacy was added in 2018 to this appetizing inventory? A first course that, of course, immediately brings Tuscany to mind: pici. In fact, the request for inclusion was made by the municipalities of Valdichiana, the undisputed homeland of this dish. Do you know what it is? It is pasta noodles that according to the original recipe are made with just flour, water and salt. There are also some versions with eggs and olive oil ... but, as we said, the very original recipe is the simplest and most essential one. After all, this type of pasta represents a peasant and simple dish from the rural tradition.

There is also a precise term that describes the art of preparing these special noodles: 'apiciare'. This is precisely the operation that is carried out when working the dough made of water and flour with the palm of the hand so as to obtain the long and coarse spaghetti. It is obvious that especially in the past the whole procedure was the prerogative of housewives but today 'apiciare' is often carried out together with family members on the occasion of a special event or anniversary. They are also prepared during village festivals where pici are often, if not the main protagonist of the event, at least a respectable presence. Take a look at our Events section, you may find one during your stay in Tuscany!

The origin of this dish is really ancient and supposedly dating back to the Etruscans. This is arguably proved by the widespread use of this dish primarily in the south of Tuscany, Umbria and the upper Lazio region. But there is an even more interesting proof that would support the thesis of its Etruscan origin. In Leopardi’s tomb (5th century BC) at the archaeological site of Tarquinia, a banquet is painted in one of the walls where you can see a servant carrying a plate whose content perfectly resembles pici! But what’s more, this delicious dish could be given even more prestigious recognition: an application has in fact been submitted for pici to be given UNESCO world heritage status. While those in high places vet the nominations, we advise you to taste them in their many versions: with tomatoes, garlic, cheese and pepper or crumbs.

Is your mouth already watering? Well then, you know what you have to do. Book our 'Siena Food Tour' and you will taste the famous pici together with many other delicacies depending on the season. They might not all be as prized as pici, but we are sure that they will make it into your personal list of Tuscan favorite dishes. Enjoy your meal!

By Insidecom Editorial Staff

Latest posts

Siena: Ricciarelli: Siena’s sweets hailing from the far East.

ricciarelli-
Local Traditions

Alongside panforte, they are among Siena’s sweets that best represent the city. Just thinking about their orange and vanilla scent, s...

View

Florence: Who invented the bistecca alla fiorentina?

bistecca
Local Traditions

The Florentine beefsteak is the undisputed queen of Tuscany’s gastronomy. Including the bone, and strictly cooked in ‘blood’ (i.e...

View

Tuscany: Ferdinando Innocenti: the inventor of the Lambretta.

Lambretta
Big Names

There is no doubt that Tuscany is a land of inventors. Just think of Leonardo da Vinci! Ferdinando Innocenti is also one of them. Do yo...

View

Florence: Negroni was born in Florence!

Negroni
Did you know that...

Now that Mojito and Moscow Mule are all the rage as aperitifs, there are classic cocktails that have stood the test of time and moods. ...

View

Top posts

Arezzo: Guido d'Arezzo and the invention of the music

Guido-d-Arezzo
Big Names

In Talla and surroundings people have no doubt: the inventor of the musical stave, the inventor of the music notes and also of the mode...

View

Pistoia: The Kiss of the Christs in Gavinana

Il-bacio-dei-cristi
Local Traditions

It is a very ancient but still popular rite. Two large processions that meet up with a Christ on the cross in front of each one: the he...

View

Siena: Piero Carbonetti and his tin drum

Piero-Carbonetti
Local Traditions

Subversive, persecuted, anarchist, homeless, dreamer: it is really difficult to define Piero Carbonetti, Tuscan bred and born and Garib...

View

Pisa: Kinzika, the young woman who saved Pisa from the Saracens

Kinzika
Local Traditions

It was really her, a young woman with an Arabian name, Kinzica, of the noble Sismondi family, to save Pisa from being sacked by Saracen...

View