Wild Food Plant Consumption in Italy
Author Information
Author(s): Ghirardini Maria Pia, Carli Marco, del Vecchio Nicola, Rovati Ariele, Cova Ottavia, Valigi Francesco, Agnetti Gaia, Macconi Martina, Adamo Daniela, Traina Mario, Laudini Francesco, Marcheselli Ilaria, Caruso Nicolò, Gedda Tiziano, Donati Fabio, Marzadro Alessandro, Russi Paola, Spaggiari Caterina, Bianco Marcella, Binda Riccardo, Barattieri Elisa, Tognacci Alice, Girardo Martina, Vaschetti Luca, Caprino Piero, Sesti Erika, Andreozzi Giorgia, Coletto Erika, Belzer Gabriele, Pieroni Andrea
Primary Institution: University of Gastronomic Sciences
Hypothesis
Differences in wild food plant consumption between Northern and Southern Italy may be due to the erosion of traditional knowledge and taste preferences.
Conclusion
Gathering, processing, and consuming wild food plants are still important activities in all selected areas, with notable differences in plant preferences between Northern and Southern Italy.
Supporting Evidence
- Gathering and consuming wild food plants are still important in all selected areas.
- Certain plants are commonly cited across multiple regions, indicating ethnobotanical connections.
- Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in plant usage between Northern and Southern Italy.
Takeaway
People in Italy still gather and eat wild plants, but what they like to eat can be very different depending on where they live.
Methodology
An ethnobotanical survey was conducted in twenty-one communities across Italy, with interviews of knowledgeable informants about wild food plants.
Limitations
The study may not account for all ecological factors influencing plant availability and usage.
Participant Demographics
Participants included 549 informants from various regions in Italy, with a focus on those knowledgeable about wild food plants.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website