🌿 The Nourishing Tuscia: Authentic Flavors from Canino, Tarquinia, and the Cimini Mountains

Among rolling fields, centuries-old olive groves, and villages seemingly suspended in time, Tuscia tells its story through its traditional products—the fruit of ancient farming practices, slow gestures, and deep respect for the seasons.Let’s discover some of the local specialties you can taste and buy directly in this unique territory.

🫒 Canino DOP Extra Virgin Olive Oil

The green gold of Tuscia has its beating heart in Canino, but its production stretches across Tarquinia, Montalto di Castro, and Monteromano. This oil, protected by the DOP (Protected Designation of Origin) label, is made from native varieties such as Caninese, Leccino, and Frantoio, and cold-pressed within 48 hours of harvest.

📍 Where to find it:

• At olive mills like Frantoio Gentili, Colli Etruschi, Frantoio Presciuttini

• In local shops and farms in Tarquinia and Montalto

• At new oil festivals and fairs from October to December

🥦 Tuscia White Cauliflower & Romanesco Broccoli

Winter vegetables that color the countryside around Tuscania, Montalto, and Monteromano, white cauliflower and Romanesco broccoli are symbols of sustainable farming—often grown without chemicals and with minimal environmental impact.

📍 Where to find them:

• Direct sales from farms along the SP Doganella and in the Canino–Monteromano agricultural area

• Weekly farmers’ markets in Tuscania and Tarquinia, especially from December to February

🌰 Chestnuts from the Cimini Mountains

Chestnuts thrive in the forests around Soriano nel Cimino, Canepina, and Vallerano, where centuries-old groves are cared for by families who pass down harvesting and drying traditions. In autumn, chestnuts are celebrated as local royalty, with food festivals, markets, and traditional recipes.

📍 Where to find them:

• Autumn festivals: Sagra della Castagna in Soriano, Festa della Castagna in Vallerano, Canepina Castanea

• Small producers and traditional food shops (October–November)

🍂 Fun fact: In Vallerano, during the chestnut festival, “fraschette” (rustic taverns) light up, offering roasted chestnuts and fresh red wine in a timeless atmosphere.

🌰 Hazelnuts from the Cimini Mountains

The area between Caprarola, Vallerano, and Canepina is one of the main hubs for producing the prized Tonda Gentile Romana hazelnut, known for its crunch, intense flavor, and superior quality. These hazelnuts are widely used in traditional sweets, creams, and biscuits.

📍 Where to buy them:

• Local farms like Azienda Agricola Romana and La Collina di Caprarola

• Bakeries and gourmet shops in Caprarola, such as Antica Norcineria Ranaldi

• Also available in gift boxes, or as toasted and candied snacks

✨ Conclusion: Tuscia, a Land to Savor with All the Senses

Southern Tuscia, nestled between the Etruscan coast and the Cimini Hills, offers a gastronomic and sensorial journey that goes far beyond simple tasting.It’s a path through landscapes, skilled hands, and rural memory—where every product tells a story of land and authenticity.