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The gastronomy of the Chisone and Germanasca valleys
features simple, natural and genuine products, which
survived notwithstanding the Industrial culture pressing
and which are still used by the traditional restaurants,
the "agriturismi", (farm holiday formula restaurants/bed
& breakfast), or during the village fairs as well
as by the families during the religious feasts. Our
cuisine follows the rhythm of the seasons and takes
advantage of the agricultural produce and of what nature
gives generously and spontaneously: herbs, flowers and
seeds.
The many traditional dishes served by the local
restaurants and agriturismi, such as the Waldensian
soup, the "calhette"(large mashed potato gnocchi),
the "gofri" (round-shaped typical waffle served
with chocolate, jam or cold cuts), the "pilot"
(potatoes fried with lard), the "tourtel"
(large ravioli), follow faithfully the ancient valley
recipes. In fact our local cuisine recalls the one of
our ancestors, made out of mountain, poor but genuine
food: potatoes, polenta, chestnuts, milk, bread,
eggs and cheeses. Potatoes, especially the high altitude
ones that are regarded as the best ones, Inspired many
recipes (soups, omelettes, gnocchi or simply boiled
potatoes). Thanks to Its resistance to cold weather,
buckwheat Is also one of the area crops and makes a
delicious polenta. Pork products, (such as cotechino
sausage or moustardele - blood sausage) are also very
renowned as well as honey, which Is an energy-giving
and curative food. The first traces of It In our valleys
date back to 700. Grapevine growing boasts ancient origins
as well, In fact It Is first recorded In a document
dated 1275. The story goes that the Ramœe doc wine,
the most famous wine In the valley, obtained from Avaná,
Avarengo and Neretto vines, does not go to your head
but can knock you flat. Let's drink a toast to a gorgeous
vacation. Cheers
Form time Immemorial wood and talc have been the historical
products of these valleys. While the Iron and talc manufacturing
Is “rare”, (by the Scopriminiera - Discover
the mine museum - you can appreciate the tools out of
talc while In the high Chisone valley you can find the
proper pans to make delicious “gofri”), wood
remains the main material. Several joiners, many of
which have been awarded the brand “Piemonte Eccellenza
Artigiana” ,(Piedmont Handicraft Excellence"),
still work In these valleys and devote themselves enthusiastically
to the Intaglio, manufacturing and renovating of wood
Items as well as to the furniture and fancy goods manufacturing.
Each village from Roure to Massello, from Prali to Pinasca,
from S.Germano to Perosa show off Its handicrafts, meeting
a market demand for valued quality products. Besides
the craftsman's studios, the traditional trades are
still alive, also thanks to the museums special contribution,
such as the “Abitare in Valle” (Living In
the Valley) one In Pinasca or the hurdy-gurdy collection
belonging to Guido Ronchail. Do not miss the many local
fairs liven up by their typical merry atmosphere, where
craftsmen and connoisseurs meet and confront.
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