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Listener Sergio from Montreal, ON: We get a kick out of your show every week. We listen to you on the radio, and we want more so we go to your website. Here's my question: I love all kinds of Italian bread. I noticed that when I ate Tuscan bread, it tasted different from the others. My wife realized that it lacks salt. Is she right? (probably)
Answer: Hello Sergio. Thanks for your question. Your wife is correct! There is no salt in Tuscan bread, also known as "pane sciocco". In the Middle Ages, Pisa was one of the four maritime republics. The rulers imposed extremely high taxes on salt, so as a form of protest, Florentine bakers began making their bread without salt. It has remained saltless to this day. Interestingly, saltless bread is also found in other central regions of Italy such as Umbria and Le Marche. Thanks for listening! |
