We Need to Talk About Saltless Tuscan Bread
When you eat out in Tuscany, there’s always that third or fifth wheel. A dining companion that no one actually wants around, that no one is waiting for. Such a tough, dry affair. Of course, I’m talking about the depressing saltless bread that is always placed on the table, whether it’s wanted or not. If there is one person on earth who eats this saltless Tuscan bread with pleasure, I’d like them to report to the Italiamo editorial office as soon as possible.
Florentine bread, also known as ‘pane Toscano,’ is saltless. However you look at it, there are certainly tastier options. The various reasons for this tasteless affair are as characteristic as they are funny.
A Saltless Affair
In the twelfth century, a conflict between the rival cities of Pisa and Florence led to a salt blockade by Pisa, making salt scarce and expensive in Florence. From that moment on, bakers baked their bread without salt, and that’s how it has remained ever since—nine hundred years now. The arrogance and pride for which Florentines are so well known throughout Italy can easily be read between the lines of this story.
Although this story may be a myth, it certainly contributed to the tradition of tough, saltless bread. In addition, traditional Florentine bread was supposedly intended to be eaten with rich and often salty Tuscan prosciutto e formaggi. The saltless bread provides balance and prevents the whole thing from becoming too salty.
Florentine Tradition
Today, saltless bread is a Florentine tradition and, unfortunately, has even spread throughout the entire region. Finally, there is one last reason why bread is baked without salt. It supposedly helps bread stay fresh longer. It attracts less moisture, meaning it spoils less quickly. And yet that doesn’t exactly explain why the bread basket that appears on the table is invariably tough and cardboard-like with age.
Depressing Bread Basket
Let’s end with a hypothesis, because if the tough, cardboard-like bread baskets were limited to the Tuscany region, we could easily blame the city of Pisa. In my opinion, that isn’t the case. All over Italy, such a depressing bread basket appears on the table whether it’s wanted or not. The reason could be that it is legally required to put bread on the table so that the ‘coperto’ or the ‘pane e coperto’ may appear on the bill.
A standard charge that you pay in many restaurants for both sitting down and the bread basket. Still, the sad Italian bread basket leaves me with many questions. One thing, however, is absolutely certain: the depressing saltless Tuscan bread is excellent for—you’ve probably guessed it already—‘la scarpetta.’
Read also:
- 17 utterly idiotic orders—seriously, it can get even crazier
- Get rid of ants! 5 tips for getting rid of those horrible pests
- Fruit allergy? Try these tips
Source: Italiamo
