Umbria Food

Explore Umbria Food: Local Products & Traditional Dishes

Umbria produces more truffles than any other region in Italy. Consequently, truffles are widely available and reasonably priced throughout the region. Many restaurants served pasta dishes covered with shaved truffles.

We spent a month in Orvieto researching the local food products in the Umbria region. We’ve compiled a summary of the information we collected so you can start enjoying Umbria food as soon as you arrive!

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Local Food Products in Umbria

Protected Designation of Origin

Farro di Monteleone di Spoleto DOP

Farro di Monteleone di Spoleto DOP is a brand of spelt that comes from the southeastern area of the province of Perugia, including the municipalities of Monteleone di Spoleto and Poggiodomo, as well as parts of Cascia, Sant’Anatolia di Narco, Vallo di Nera, and Scheggino. Due to its adaptation to the climate, it has a distinct shape and physiology compared to spelt grown in other regions. The plant reaches about 120 cm in height, featuring slender leaves and a small ear, with a light brown color.

Pecorino Toscano DOP

Pecorino Toscano DOP refers to a cheese designation that encompasses the entire Tuscan region, as well as some Umbrian towns like Allerona and Castiglione del Lago, along with other towns in northern Lazio.

Salamini Italiani Alla Cacciatora DOP

The region for Salamini Italiani Alla Cacciatora DOP products includes the entire area of Umbria, as well as Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Veneto, Lombardy, Molise, Lazio, Emilia-Romagna, Le Marche, and Abruzzo. The salamis are crafted from lean meats obtained from the pig’s muscles, combined with fat, salt, pepper, and garlic.

Olio Extra Vergine d’Oliva DOP

The area for Olio Extra Vergine d’Oliva DOP encompasses the entire Umbria region. However, the labeling must specify the geographical origin, which for olive oil is divided into five distinct areas: Colli Assisi-Spoleto, Colli Martani, Colli Amerini, Colli Orvietani, and Colli del Trasimeno. Each area showcases unique characteristics, both organoleptic and regarding the pressing technique.

Protected Geographical Indication

Prosciutto di Norcia IGP

Prosciutto di Norcia IGP is a special ham produced in the Norcia area. The geographical indication refers to the municipalities of Norcia, Preci, Cascia, Monteleone di Spoleto, and Poggiodromo, which are situated over 500 meters above sea level. Its color ranges from pinkish to red, and it has a savory flavor.

Patata Rossa di Colfiorito IGP

The Patata Rossa di Colfiorito PGI is a type of potato originating from the Apennines between Umbria and Le Marche. This variety is specifically associated with the Umbrian towns of Foligno, Nocera Umbra, Valtopina, and Sellano, as well as the areas of Muccia, Sefro, Visso, Montecavallo, Chienti, and Pieve Torina in Le Marche.

Agnello del centro Italia IGP

Agnello del centro Italia IGP refers to lamb that is classified into three types differentiated by their fat content and structure, adhering to specific guidelines on breeding, slaughter, and the composition of the final raw material.

Vitellone Bianco dell’appennino Centrale IGP

Umbria is part of a larger region that raises Vitellone Bianco dell’Appennino Centrale IGP cattle, specifically known as Chianina, from the Marche and Romagna areas, which are aged over 12 months but under 24. Once again, the legislation clearly specifies the breeding requirements.

Lenticchie di Castelluccio di Norcia IGP

The Lenticchie di Castelluccio di Norcia IGP production area corresponds to the municipal territory of Norcia in the province of Perugia and the municipality of Castel Sant’Angelo su Nera in the province of Macerata. The distinctive traits of these lentils include their smaller size compared to traditional lentils. They are also flat and rounded. The lentil plant is notable for its stunning flowering season on the plains of Castelluccio di Norcia.

Other Local Food Products

Truffles

Umbria produces more truffles than any other region in Italy.

Porchetta

Porchetta, which is pork sliced directly from a stuffed, herbed young pig, is a delicacy in Umbria. You can find it at lunchtime, served on thick rolls as a sandwich, or at dinner as an antipasto option.

FAQs About Umbria Food

What is the traditional food of Umbria?

Porchetta, a dish featuring pork sliced directly from a stuffed, herbed young pig, is a delicacy originating from Umbria. It is typically served at lunchtime on thick rolls as a sandwich, or as an antipasto option during dinner.

What is Umbria famous for?

Umbria is famous for its history, culture, art, food, wine, and landscapes.

Why is Umbria so cheap?

Umbria is regarded as “cheap” compared to other regions in Italy, such as Tuscany, mainly because it attracts significantly fewer tourists. Despite offering similarly beautiful landscapes and charming towns, this results in lower prices for accommodation, food, and property overall. Essentially, it’s a more affordable option compared to its well-known neighbor, all while maintaining a high quality of life.

What products are made in Umbria?

Umbria has a rich tradition of sheep farming and, as a result, cheese-making. Some of the region’s most renowned cheeses include caciotta, crescenza (a fresh, creamy cheese), black truffle cheese, scamorza, mozzarella, ricotta, pecorino, provolone, nanetta (a fresh, unfermented cheese), and ravigiolo.