With temperatures reaching over 100 degrees Fahrenheit today in Spoleto, our Taste of Umbria students headed out early this morning, before it got too hot, to experience an inside look into two family-owned businesses in the region.
First came book making at Paoluzi, an art store run by Leonardo, who has been hand-making journals for over 40 years using a centuries old technique. Students watched him craft a whole journal in just an hour, as Leonardo explained the different materials and techniques required for this skill (translated by his son, to whom Leonardo has passed down his knowledge).
After a quick (but delicious) coffee break, students headed to nearby Trevi to tour Marfuga, an olive oil company whose extra virgin oil has won dozens and dozens of awards, including first place in the world’s first and only international olive oil competition (Armonia). Students met the owner Francesco Gradassi, who took over Marfuga from his father Ettore, and heard how extra virign olive oil is made.
Then came a tasting of three different olive oils, following by a lunch of various small plates containing olive oil, including: bruschetta with sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or truffle and mushroom; farro salad with arugula; crostini; and two types of tarts for dessert. The students braved the sweltering heat for just ten minutes to wander amongst the olive groves and take stunning pictures of the Spoleto valley.
After a well-earned siesta filled with gelato and naps, students reassembled to plan their creative writing and photography components of this program. After dinner, they finished the day with a stroll around La Rocca castle.
