Other Names:Corzetti, Pasta |
Region:Liguria |
Made with:Durum wheat, water and salt |
About:Corzetti pasta has a clear origin story and is primarily associated with Liguria, a region in northwest Italy bordering France. Here’s a breakdown of its origin and regional connection. Liguria: Corzetti originated in Liguria during the Middle Ages. The name itself reflects this origin, referencing a 14th-century Genoese coin called the “corzetto.” Corzetti pasta has a clear origin story and is primarily associated with Liguria, a region in northwest Italy bordering France. Flat disk-shaped pasta about the size of an American quarter. That were and still are stamped, decorated with a cross. In the old days, there were many different wooden stamps made with family crests, and are are very collectible. Two main types of corzetti exist in Liguria: Corzetti valpolceveraschi: These come from the Val Polcevera, a valley near Genoa, and have a twisted figure-eight shape. Corzetti stampæ (or croxetti): Found in the Varese Ligure area, these are small, flat rounds decorated with an embossed design using a special wooden tool. While Liguria holds the primary claim to corzetti’s origin, variations exist in other parts of Italy: Novi Ligure: Located just across the border with Piedmont, this area enjoys a similar dish called corzetti, though its shape might resemble orecchiette more. Emilia-Romagna: Here, a similar pasta called crosetti might be found, but it also has a slight resemblance to orecchiette. Significance in Liguria: In Liguria, corzetti were traditionally made by local peasants. Aristocratic families used them as a display of wealth and status, often featuring embossed family crests on the pasta. Today, corzetti are still produced in small batches near Genoa, keeping the tradition alive. |
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