(ANSA) - CITTÀ DEL CAPO, 18 NOV - The diplomatic-consular network in South Africa is celebrating the Ninth Week of Italian Cuisine in the World with events in the main cities - Pretoria, Johannesburg and Cape Town - from 12 to 24 November 2024. The theme of the year is 'Mediterranean Diet and Roots Cuisine: Health and Tradition' and aims at enhancing Italian cuisine with particular reference to its millenary roots and the fundamental role of the Mediterranean Diet in the protection of health, as part of a healthy, balanced and sustainable lifestyle.
Nutritionist Cristina Angeloni, lecturer in Biochemistry at the University of Bologna and researcher on the effects of nutraceuticals on cardiovascular and neurodegenerative health, participated in two popularisation events, on 15 November at the University of Johannesburg and on 18 November at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology. The main topics were the historical evolution of the Mediterranean Diet, the benefits of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant ingredients such as cereals, vegetables, legumes and extra virgin olive oil, nutritional transition and sustainable food practices.
Italian chef Alessandra Rubini, brand ambassador of Alma (International School of Italian Cuisine), took part in the 'Week' with a programme of masterclasses, also open to Italian restaurateurs and trade journalists. He then directed and created the menus of two invitation-only events at the Residences of Italy in Pretoria and Cape Town. The dinners focused on classic Mediterranean dishes, with modern accents, to show the evolution of Italian cuisine while respecting centuries-old traditions. In Cape Town, the 'Italy in Town' festival is scheduled for 23 and 24 November: a weekend of events, music, culture, cooking workshops and wine tastings.
Ninth Italian Cuisine Week in South Africa
Mediterranean Diet and Roots Cuisine: Health and Tradition