Discovering Km0 foods and wines in the Lake Como area

The Lake Como area is known worldwide for its outstanding natural beauty, rich cultural heritage and excellent quality of life, so much so that it is an absolute pleasure to explore the different aspects of its identity on this blog. But this wonderful area is also known for its food and wine excellence, since it is home to a wide selection of local products deeply rooted in its history and traditions.

In recent years, one of the most critical trends in the food and wine scene is the rise of the so-called Km0 products. This is the definition given to products grown and produced a short distance from where they are consumed, consequently promoting local agriculture and limiting the environmental impact caused by transport.

If you’re looking for a new home in the Lake Como area, knowing what to eat and drink while there is definitely a must. So let’s look at some of the best Km0 foods and wines born in this land.

What are Km0 Foods and Wines?

As briefly illustrated above, Km0 foods and wines are called in this way because they are grown, produced and consumed in the same territory, that is, within a limited geographical radius. The basic principle of km0 products is multiple: the promotion of local agriculture, the consumption of better quality food, the reduction of waste, the decrease of the environmental impact given by road transport and the support for the local economy.

Km0 food and wine are often fresher and tastier than products that have traveled long distances. They are also more sustainable and nature-friendly, requiring less energy and fewer resources to produce and consume.

The Km0 foods you will find in the Lake Como Area

The territory of Lake Como produces a wide selection of Km0 foods resulting from fertile soils and a naturally favorable climate. Here are some of the more popular ones.

Cheese

Cheese is a staple of the Italian diet, and the Lake Como area is home to several types of Km0 cheese. One of the most famous is the Zincarlin cheese, a variation of the traditional Ticino cheese. Based on acid curd, it features a characteristic shape resembling an overturned cup. Zincarlin is primarily made from raw cow’s milk and can be enhanced with goat’s milk and is one of the most crucial Km0 productions of the Val da Mücc. Its flavor is rich, full-bodied yet delicate, significantly enhanced when the cheese is paired with a bit of honey.

Extra-virgin olive oil

Extra virgin olive oil is another essential food in the Italian diet and, once again, the Lake Como area produces some of the best in the country.

The local olive oil is made from olives grown in the area’s hilly terrain and has a rich, fruity flavor, perfect for dressing or dipping bread. One of the most popular oils in the area is the Lario Oil (Olio Lariano), obtained from olives from the hills surrounding the lake and specifically originated from the so-called “Lario triangle”: it has a delicate and fruity aroma, perfect for enhancing the taste of local dishes. Another famous extra virgin olive oil coming from Lake Como is the so-called Vanini Oil by Premiato Oleificio Vanini Osvaldo: produced in Lenno, it has a slightly fruity olive scent and sweet almond and artichoke flavor.

Honey

The territory of Lake Como produces various types of Km0 honey thanks to the abundance of wildflowers and flowering trees in its valleys, mountains and hills. The local honey is rich and flavorful, with a unique taste that fully reflects the area’s diverse flora.

Among the most famous Km0 kinds of honey in Lake Como is the Millefiori, obtained from the nectar of numerous wildflowers. Its delicate and aromatic flavor is ideal for sweetening tea or yogurt.

Fruits and vegetables

How can we forget about fruits and vegetables, which are at the base of the pyramid of the Mediterranean diet? The Como area is well known for its fresh, fragrant and tasty produce, the result of the fertile soils that are typical of this land. Among the most popular km0 fruit and vegetables are tomatoes, courgettes, peaches and strawberries which, as a rule of thumb, should always be consumed according to seasonality.

Lake fish

Missultin, perch, shad, bleak, pike, salmon trout, whitefish, char, zander, bondella, burbot and pigo are all extraordinary species of fish coming from Lake Como. This freshwater fish is the key ingredient for multiple traditional recipes and can be used fresh, smoked, dried or marinaded.

Among the many recipes of the area some are absolutely a must for everyone visiting this beautiful territory: culadur, a traditional spread from Tramezzina made during the preparation of another local delicacy called missoltini (or Missultin); bleak fish in carpione, based on wild thyme growing between the rocks around the lake; Sarach, a recipe based on pich fish dried in salt that is especially flavorful when coupled with polenta; and the internationally famous rice and fish filet.

Bakery

The famous “Dolce Nuvola” by Beretta Bakery has been around for years and has become an all-time favorite for residents and tourists. It’s a traditional product with all the sweetness and softness of leavened dough, enhanced with jam tufts to please even the most discriminating palates. The Nuvola pastry also has various delectable variants, such as chocolate, cream, and marron glacé.

Another typical Lake Como cake is the Miascia, a classic peasant treat made of stale bread (known as “pan poss” in the local dialect) and fresh and dried fruit. We also suggest you have a taste of Pan Mataloch, a traditional cake originating from the Bellagio area, and the Pan Meino: also called Pan de Mej or millet bread, it is a Focaccia flavored with elderflowers.

Km0 Wines in the Lake Como Area

In addition to its delicious Km0 foods, the Lake Como area is also home to several excellent km0 wines. The most famous is likely the Domasino, an IGT Terre Lariane wine made from Sangiovese, Barbera, Merlot and Rosseia grapes. Elegant and rich in flavor (its taste is reminiscent of red fruits), characterized by an intense ruby color, it is produced by Azienda Agricola Sorsasso, a company committed to safeguarding the local wine-making tradition. Domasino is also available in a rosé version, resulting from the vinification in rosé of Schiava Gentile, Sangiovese and Barbera grapes; and a white version. With its bright lemon-yellow color and hints of spices and tropical fruits, the latter is a fresh wine perfectly matching lake fish, white meat, antipasti, and omelet with vegetables.

Ultimately, the Lake Como area is a true paradise for food and wine lovers. So whether you’re a foodie, a connoisseur of fine wines or simply a lover of quality products, be sure to sample some – if not all! – the selections from our list.

Looking for the house of your dream in the area? Take a look at our luxury properties for sale or get in touch with our experts for reliable advice.

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Images by: nir_design from Pixabay – PollyDot from Pixabay and  悍匪 社交 from Pixabay

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