Italian Cuisine: A UNESCO treasure of love and connection

The news is official, and our hearts are full of pride: Italian Cuisine has been formally recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. 

At IMPASTIAMO, we believe this prestigious title honors much more than the perfect al dente pasta or our world-renowned olive oils. It is a global tribute to the Italian way of life, a philosophy that elevates the dining table to the very center of the human experience.

Beyond the recipe, there’s the ritual

When we speak of "La Cucina Italiana," we aren't just discussing ingredients; we are celebrating a symphony of social practices, rituals, and gestures handed down through centuries.

UNESCO isn't just protecting a recipe for lasagna; it is protecting the art of shaping orecchiette with grandmother on a Sunday morning. It honors the passionate debates over regional ragù and the sacred, unspoken rule that a meal is never merely "fuel", it is a profound act of love. In Italy, the kitchen is the heartbeat of the home, the sanctuary where problems are solved and every great celebration begins.

The "Cuisine of Affection"

As Italian Minister Francesco Lollobrigida aptly noted, our cuisine speaks of our deepest roots and our unique ability to transform tradition into a universal value. It is truly a "Cuisine of Affection." It transmits memory, care, and identity, weaving the stories of families and local communities into every bite.

This heritage reflects the unbreakable bond between our natural landscapes and our people. From the sun-drenched lemons of Sorrento to the earthy truffles of Piedmont, the food tells the story of the land. It is a practice rooted in cucina povera (the cooking of the poor), which teaches us a vital modern lesson: respect the seasons and eliminate waste.

Why UNESCO matters for the Italian Cuisine

UNESCO highlights that Italian cooking is a powerful tool for social inclusion. It promotes well-being and creates a channel for lifelong, intergenerational learning. By its very nature, it strengthens communal bonds and encourages sharing, but also fosters a deep sense of belonging and cultural identity. La cucina italiana transpends barriers, allowing people of all backgrounds to connect through the universal language of food.

Cooking "all'Italiana" is a community experience that emphasizes intimacy with the ingredients and the joy of shared moments. Because roles in the kitchen are often interchangeable, it becomes an inclusive experience where everyone, regardless of age or origin, can contribute to the collective memory.

IMPAS-TIAMO: kneading love into every class

At Impastiamo, these values aren't just concepts; they are our DNA. Our name itself holds a secret: IMPAS-TIAMO (we knead - I love you).

This play on words captures our core mission. Our love isn't just for the flour and the flame; it’s for the people who create and share the meal. We know that the most authentic love is found in those shared moments across a table.

Whether you join one of our team-building cooking events or an authentic Italian workshop, you aren't just learning a skill. You are participating in a UNESCO-protected heritage. We are proud to bring this legacy of connection, sustainability, and "cucina degli affetti" to your table, wherever you are in the world.