Art & Tradition
In Val di Sole, art is not only synonymous of the past. Quality craftsmanship is still a thriving part of the valley: wood workers create traditional and modern custom-made furniture, antique furniture is restored, there are also wood carvers and artisans that work with ceramics (creating splendid and rare majolica wood burning stoves) and blacksmiths, which are all true artists that reveal the art that lies within these ancient trades that still survive in the artisan’s workshops throughout the valley.
The typical products of Val di Sole are simple but filled with flavour. Amongst these, we suggest: the apples, cultivated in Val di Sole, that proudly bear the Melinda name, the small forest berries such as red-currants, strawberries, blackberries and raspberries, very tasty and full of vitamins the savoury choice of meats and cold meats, such as speck but also salami, “luganega” (sausage) and local bacon that all stand out against the rest, honey, produced in small quantities, rich and nutritious that perfectly accompanies both sweet and salty dishes, excellent with cheese. And finally we can’t forget the dairy products, that all derive from milk that comes from cows that are out to pasture. There is excellent butter, ricotta and many chesses: the “casolet from Val di Sole”, seasoned cheeses, Trentino parmesan cheese.
Val di Sole cuisine is simple but filled with grandmother’s secret recipes. Its typical mountain dishes are based on the use of dairy products that still carry with them the aroma of hay, the fragrance of fresh grass, and the smell of pristine mountain air. There are many wild game dishes prepared with forest berries and aromatic natural herbs, all accompanied with polenta. Many dishes reveal the influence of South Tyrol culture, for example smoked pork chops or pork shank with sauerkraut. You must try such dishes as strangolapreti (priest chokers), potato dumplings, spaetzle, Knödel, potato cake and pancakes, barley soup. Fish is also a traditional part of this cuisine thanks to the river trout in the Noce River and its tributaries. Among the many desserts, we suggest that you try torta de frigoloti (crumble cake), carrot cake, linz cake and the all-time favourite apple strudel. All of these specialties are prepared by our chefs with the love and care that went into cooking in the past. Definitely a must to try!!
