Broccoli: Its Origins, Nutritional Power, and How to Grow It

History Broccoli originated in the Mediterranean region. An ancient Italian civilization called the Etruscans, who lived in what is now Tuscany and were considered to be brilliant horticulturists, developed this from a cabbage relative. By the 18th century, broccoli had become a common vegetable in northern Europe, and Italian immigrants brought it to North America […]

Florentine zucchini

History A specific variety of zucchini called Florentine zucchini is popular in Italian cuisine, particularly in Tuscany.  This variety is not well documented, but it is believed to have originated in the Liguria region of Italy and later gained popularity in Tuscany. In Italian, “Lunga Fiorentino” means “Florentine long,” which suggests it was first popularized […]

Exploring tuscany’s landscape: the cypress trees and beyond

Tuscany is a beautiful region in central Italy known for its gorgeous vistas, quaint hilltop towns, and luscious vineyards. Nothing, however, better encapsulates the essence of Tuscany than the renowned cypress tree, or “cipresso” in Italian. These magnificent trees have long been important in the region’s history, art, and culture. In this post, we’ll look […]