Italian cuisine is the epitome of comfort food, from delectable cheesy pasta to handcrafted pizzas, and much more. It has gained worldwide popularity and remains a prominent feature in party menus. In recognition of its diversity and popularity, Italian cuisine might soon get recognition from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). As per multiple news outlets, the Italian Government announced the nomination of Italian cuisine as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage element in March 2023.
Reportedly, the nomination documents stress the impact the cuisine has in shaping the bio-cultural diversity of Italy. According to the European Food Agency, the nomination dossier defines Italian cuisine as a "set of social practices, rites, and gestures based on the many local knowledge that, without hierarchies, identify and connote it".
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According to the reports, Italian Government officials have stated that although the proposal for Italian cuisine's nomination as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage element will not be evaluated until 2025, the country will spend the next two years promoting its food worldwide. In the past, UNESCO has recognized the art of making Neapolitan-style pizza (Neapolitan Pizzaiuolo) as a part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, with the aim of preserving and increasing awareness of cultural heritage that is passed down through generations.
Click here for some classic Italian recipes that you can prepare at home in not more than 30 minutes.