There’s nothing quite like traveling through Italy, soaking in its history and indulging in its flavors, but “Percorsi nel Gusto 2024” was far more than just a culinary adventure. It was an eye-opening journey into the heart of the Mediterranean lifestyle, culture, and diet. Organized by key institutions that are dedicated to preserving and promoting Italy’s rich food heritage—Ebris Foundation, Approdo di Ulisse FLAG, and the Museo Vivente della Dieta Mediterranea—the program explored how deeply food is tied to health, history, and sustainability.
Let me walk you through my week at this amazing event, while also introducing you to the organizations behind it, each with a unique mission that is transforming the way we think about food.
Percorsi nel Gusto Recap: An Unforgettable Culinary Experience
Day 1: Arrival at Tenuta Seliano, Capaccio Paestum
Our journey began at the peaceful Tenuta Seliano in Capaccio Paestum, a charming countryside estate that set the perfect tone for a week of immersive learning and culinary delight.
Day 2: Exploring Pioppi and the Museo Vivente della Dieta Mediterranea
Monday was all about Pioppi, home to the Museo Vivente della Dieta Mediterranea. The day kicked off with an inauguration roundtable that brought together key figures like Stefano Pisani (Mayor of Pollica), Valerio Calabrese (Museum Director), Giuseppe Coccorullo (President of the National Park of Cilento), Alessio Fasano (President of Ebris Foundation), and Tracy Roberts-Pounds (U.S. Consul General in Naples). This event introduced us to the profound importance of the Mediterranean diet, which is recognized not only for its delicious flavors but also for its health benefits and cultural significance.
We also had the pleasure of tasting regional specialties offered by local producers, further emphasizing how this diet is rooted in the region’s natural resources. Later, we visited a Bufalara, an ancient dairy farm, where we participated in an experiential workshop on mozzarella-making. Watching fresh mozzarella take shape right before our eyes was a truly delightful experience.
Day 3: Organic Farming and Ancient Heritage in Paestum
Tuesday took us deeper into the region’s agricultural heritage. We started at Orto Cuore Bio San Salvatore in Fusillo, learning about organic farming practices, before heading to Dispensa San Salvatore to taste their exquisite yogurt and tour the production lab.
The afternoon was spent at the Paestum Archaeological Park, where we marveled at ancient Greek ruins, and the day ended with a hands-on pasta workshop at Masseria Eliseo, where we crafted pasta using age-old techniques passed down through generations.
Day 4: Cetara’s Sustainable Fishing and Lemon Tradition
Wednesday brought us to Cetara, where we were welcomed by Fortunato Della Monica, the town’s mayor. Cetara is famous for its Alici di Cetara DOP, and we were lucky enough to visit a fish market and learn traditional preservation techniques at an anchovy processing lab. This experience was part of the broader mission of Approdo di Ulisse FLAG, a Fisheries Local Action Group (FLAG) that promotes sustainable fishing practices and protects the environmental and cultural heritage of the coastal areas around the Sorrento-Amalfi Peninsula, Capri, and the Punta Campanella Marine Protected Area.
Later, we explored Minori, where we learned about the processing of the famous sfusato Amalfitano lemons at Azienda Agricola Rastelli in Tramonti. The day was a blend of sustainability, tradition, and mouthwatering lemon-flavored treats.
Day 5: Pompeii, Gragnano, and Vesuvian Delights
Thursday was dedicated to exploring ancient Pompeii and its culinary history, guided by Gabriel Zuchtriegel, director of the Pompeii Archaeological Park. From there, we headed to Gragnano, home of Italy’s famous pasta, and visited the Cuomo Artisanal Pasta Factory to see how pasta has been made for centuries. We also explored the Valle dei Mulini and visited the Agricola Scala Winery, which produces Gragnano DOC wine, Castello cherries, and other regional specialties.
The day ended at Tenuta Monticelli, where we savored a selection of Vesuvian delicacies, all while enjoying a stunning view of Mount Vesuvius.
Day 6: A Grand Finale in Salerno
The final day was spent in Salerno, exploring the Salerno Medical School and attending a closing conference at the Ebris Foundation titled “The Mediterranean Diet: A Food for Thought.” The discussions covered topics ranging from breast milk for premature infants to nutrition and healthy aging, underscoring the Mediterranean diet’s role in promoting long-term health.
The event concluded with a beautiful performance by the Coro Pop a Capella from Conservatorio G. Martucci, followed by an exquisite aperitif prepared by Chef Gian Marco Carti on a sea-view terrace—a perfect ending to an extraordinary week.
The Key Players Behind Percorsi nel Gusto
The Ebris Foundation: Where Science Meets Tradition
At the heart of “Percorsi nel Gusto 2024” is the Ebris Foundation (European Biomedical Research Institute of Salerno). Ebris is known for its groundbreaking biomedical research, but its mission extends far beyond the lab. The foundation is dedicated to understanding how ancient practices, such as the Mediterranean diet, impact modern health. Through events like this, Ebris bridges the gap between tradition and scientific research, showing how lifestyle and food can contribute to better health outcomes, from cardiovascular wellness to longevity.
As one of the main organizers of “Percorsi nel Gusto,” Ebris emphasized the critical link between diet, culture, and health, offering participants a chance to not only taste the Mediterranean diet but understand its scientific foundations.
Approdo di Ulisse FLAG: Guardians of Sustainable Fishing
A pivotal partner in the event was the Approdo di Ulisse FLAG (Fisheries Local Action Group). This group plays a crucial role in promoting sustainable fishing practices while supporting the development of coastal communities in the Sorrento-Amalfi Peninsula, Island of Capri, and Punta Campanella Marine Protected Area. The FLAG’s mission is to protect the marine environment while ensuring that local traditions—such as the preservation of Alici di Cetara DOP anchovies—continue to thrive.
By combining tradition with sustainable practices, Approdo di Ulisse FLAG fosters both economic and ecological resilience in the region, ensuring that these coastal communities can continue to prosper while preserving their unique maritime heritage.
Museo Vivente della Dieta Mediterranea: Preserving a Heritage
Finally, the Museo Vivente della Dieta Mediterranea (Living Museum of the Mediterranean Diet) in Pioppi served as a cultural hub during the program. The museum’s mission is to preserve and promote the Mediterranean diet as a living, breathing heritage that connects the past with the present. The museum offers an immersive look into the diet’s origins, tracing its evolution through time and highlighting its health benefits.
The museum is also a center of education, offering workshops and tastings that allow visitors to experience the Mediterranean diet in a hands-on way, much like we did during our time in Pioppi. Through these experiences, the museum reminds us that food is not just sustenance, but a key part of our cultural identity.
A Wholesome and Enlightening Experience
“Percorsi nel Gusto 2024” was more than just a culinary journey—it was an experience that brought together science, history, and sustainable practices to deepen our understanding of the Mediterranean way of life. Thanks to the work of the Ebris Foundation, Approdo di Ulisse FLAG, and the Museo Vivente della Dieta Mediterranea, I walked away with a profound appreciation for the connection between food, health, and culture.
As someone who is passionate about food, culture, and sustainability, I was so grateful to be a part of this experience. The program offered not only a taste of the Mediterranean but also a glimpse into the future of food and health.
For more details, visit the Ebris Foundation website.
Un bacio,
Amby
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