102-450: Giardiniera ( / dʒ ɑːr d ɪ ˈ n j ɛər ə / , Italian: [dʒardiˈnjɛːra] ) is an Italian relish of pickled vegetables in vinegar or oil . Italian giardiniera is also called sottaceti ( lit. ' under vinegar ' ), a common term for pickled foods. It is typically eaten as an antipasto or with salads . In the United States, giardiniera
204-524: A common side showing the denomination or value, and a map in the background. Due to the linguistic plurality in the European Union , the Latin alphabet version of euro is used (as opposed to the less common Greek or Cyrillic) and Arabic numerals (other text is used on national sides in national languages, but other text on the common side is avoided). For the denominations except the 1-, 2- and 5-cent coins,
306-599: A national side showing an image specifically chosen by the country that issued the coin. Euro coins from any member state may be freely used in any nation that has adopted the euro. The coins are issued in denominations of €2 , €1 , 50c , 20c , 10c , 5c , 2c , and 1c . To avoid the use of the two smallest coins, some cash transactions are rounded to the nearest five cents in the Netherlands and Ireland (by voluntary agreement) and in Finland and Italy (by law). This practice
408-778: A "Treatise on the Potato" after the French Antoine-Augustin Parmentier 's successful promotion of the tuber. In 1790, Francesco Leonardi in his book L'Apicio moderno ( Modern Apicius ) sketches a history of the Italian cuisine from the Roman Age and gives the first recipe of a tomato-based sauce. In the 19th century, Giovanni Vialardi, chef to King Victor Emmanuel II , wrote Trattato di cucina, Pasticceria moderna, Credenza e relativa Confettureria ( A Treatise of Modern Cookery and Patisserie ) with recipes "suitable for
510-607: A "cuisine of the head rather than the throat" and it is characterized by the separation of flavours, without ever upsetting the ancient Italian culinary tradition despite the use, in its recipes, of some culinary traditions of other countries. He is known for using modern technology and classic cuisine. Italian cuisine has a great variety of different ingredients which are commonly used, ranging from fruits and vegetables to grains to cheeses, meats, and fish. In northern Italy, fish (such as cod, or baccalà ), potatoes, rice, corn (maize), sausages, pork, and different types of cheese are
612-639: A banquet given by Duke Charles for Queen Christina of Sweden , with details of the food and table settings for each guest, including a knife, fork, spoon, glass, a plate (instead of the bowls more often used), and a napkin. Other books from this time, such as Galatheo ( Etiquette ) by Giovanni della Casa , tell how scalci ( waiters ) should manage themselves while serving their guests. Waiters should not scratch their heads or other parts of themselves, or spit, sniff, cough or sneeze while serving diners. The book also told diners not to use their fingers while eating and not to wipe sweat with their napkin. At
714-587: A bean dish from the Marca di Trevisio, a torta , compositum londardicum , dishes similar to dishes the modern day. Two other books from the 14th century include recipes for Roman pastello , Lasagna pie, and call for the use of salt from Sardinia or Chioggia . In the 15th century, Maestro Martino was chef to the Patriarch of Aquileia at the Vatican . His Libro de arte coquinaria ( Culinary art book ) describes
816-594: A budget deficit of less than 3% of their GDP, a debt ratio of less than 60% of GDP (both of which were ultimately widely flouted after introduction), low inflation, and interest rates close to the EU average. In the Maastricht Treaty, the United Kingdom and Denmark were granted exemptions per their request from moving to the stage of monetary union which resulted in the introduction of the euro (see also United Kingdom and
918-556: A combination of assorted vegetables, including bell peppers, celery, carrots, cauliflower, and sometimes gherkins or olives, all marinated in vegetable oil , olive oil , soybean oil , or any combination of the three. Some commercially prepared versions are labeled "Chicago-style giardiniera ". Italian cuisine Italian cuisine is a Mediterranean cuisine consisting of the ingredients , recipes , and cooking techniques developed in Italy since Roman times and later spread around
1020-640: A comprehensive view of Italian cooking of that period. It contains over 1,000 recipes, with information on banquets including displays and menus as well as illustrations of kitchen and table utensils. This book differs from most books written for the royal courts in its preference for domestic animals and courtyard birds rather than game. Recipes include lesser cuts of meats such as tongue, head, and shoulder. The third volume has recipes for fish in Lent . These fish recipes are simple, including poaching , broiling , grilling , and frying after marination. Particular attention
1122-461: A drizzle of olive oil. Castelvetro's book is separated into seasons with hop shoots in the spring and truffles in the winter, detailing the use of pigs in the search for truffles. In 1662, Bartolomeo Stefani, chef to the Duchy of Mantua , published L'Arte di Ben Cucinare ( The Art of Well Cooking ). He was the first to offer a section on vitto ordinario ( ordinary food ). The book described
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#17330862369671224-491: A foreign trading currency in Cuba since 1998, Syria since 2006, and Venezuela since 2018. In 2009, Zimbabwe abandoned its local currency and introduced major global convertible currencies instead, including the euro and the United States dollar. The direct usage of the euro outside of the official framework of the EU affects nearly 3 million people. Outside the eurozone, two EU member states have currencies that are pegged to
1326-502: A key flavour, but also beans , pumpkins , courgette , and peppers , all of which came from the Americas during the last few hundred years. In the first decade of the 17th century, Giacomo Castelvetro wrote Breve Racconto di Tutte le Radici di Tutte l'Herbe et di Tutti i Frutti ( A Brief Account of All Roots, Herbs, and Fruit ), translated into English by Gillian Riley. Originally from Modena , Castelvetro moved to England because he
1428-449: A modest household". Many of his recipes are for regional dishes from Turin , including 12 for potatoes such as cappon magro genovese . In 1829, Il Nuovo Cuoco Milanese Economico ( The New Economic Milanese Chef ) by Giovanni Felice Luraschi featured Milanese dishes such as kidney with anchovies and lemon and gnocchi alla romana . Gian Battista and Giovanni Ratto's La Cucina Genovese ( Genoese cuisine ) in 1871 addressed
1530-500: A monetary agreement: British Overseas Territory : Unilateral adopters: The following EU member states committed themselves in their respective Treaty of Accession to adopt the euro. However they do not have a deadline to do so and can delay the process by deliberately not complying with the convergence criteria (such as by not meeting the convergence criteria to join ERM II). Bulgaria and Romania are actively working to adopt
1632-633: A more refined and elegant cuisine. His book contains a recipe for maccaroni siciliani , made by wrapping dough around a thin iron rod to dry in the sun. The macaroni was cooked in capon stock flavoured with saffron , displaying Persian influences. Martino noted the avoidance of excessive spices in favour of fresh herbs. The Roman recipes include coppiette (air-dried salami ) and cabbage dishes. His Florentine dishes include eggs with torta bolognese , torta sienese and Genoese recipes such as piperata (sweets), macaroni, squash , mushrooms , and spinach pie with onions . Martino's text
1734-405: A process in which small and local farmers and food producers should be simultaneously protected from and included in the global food system . The Italian chef Gualtiero Marchesi (1930–2017) is unanimously considered the founder of the new Italian cuisine and, in the opinion of many, the most famous Italian chef in the world. He contributed mostly to the development of Italian cuisine, placing
1836-493: A prominent place in Italian cuisine, as in general in the Mediterranean cuisine. Fish is the second course in meals and is also an ingredient in the preparation of seasonings for types of pasta. It is also widely used in appetisers . Italian cuisine is also well known (and well regarded) for its use of a diverse variety of pasta. Pasta include noodles in various lengths, widths, and shapes. Most pastas may be distinguished by
1938-458: A region is close to the sea or the mountains, and economics. Italian cuisine is also seasonal with priority placed on the use of fresh produce. Euro The euro ( symbol : € ; currency code : EUR ) is the official currency of 20 of the 27 member states of the European Union . This group of states is officially known as the euro area or, more commonly, the eurozone . The euro
2040-545: A significant influence on several other cuisines around the world, particularly in East African states such as Somalia and in the United States in the form of Italian-American cuisine . A key characteristic of Italian cuisine is its simplicity, with many dishes made up of few ingredients, and therefore Italian cooks often rely on the quality of the ingredients, rather than the complexity of preparation. Italian cuisine
2142-442: A single dish ( pizza al piatto ) or as a snack, even on the go ( pizza al taglio ). In the various regions, dishes similar to pizza are the various types of focaccia , such as piadina , crescia or sfincione . Each area has its own specialties , primarily at a regional level , but also at the provincial level. The differences can come from a bordering country (such as France, Austria or Slovenia), whether
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#17330862369672244-428: A variety of pasta, regional bread, extra virgin olive oils, and wines. Counterfeit products violate registered trademarks or other distinctive signs protected by law such as the designations of origin (DOC, PDO, DOCG, PGI, TSG, IGT). Therefore, the counterfeiting is legally punishable. However, Italian Sounding cannot be classified as illegal from a strictly legal standpoint, but they still represent "a huge damage to
2346-550: A very wide range of preparations and recipes. It is also important as an ingredient in the preparation of sauces for pasta. In addition to the varieties mentioned, albeit less commonly, sheep , goat , horse , rabbit and, even less commonly, game meat are also consumed in Italy. Since Italy is largely surrounded by the sea, therefore having a great coastal development and being rich in lakes, fish (both marine and freshwater), as well as crustaceans , molluscs , and other seafood, enjoy
2448-583: Is a major donor to the EFSF. To be included in the eurozone, countries had to fulfil certain convergence criteria , but the meaningfulness of such criteria was diminished by the fact it was not enforced with the same level of strictness among countries. According to the Economist Intelligence Unit in 2011, "[I]f the [euro area] is treated as a single entity, its [economic and fiscal] position looks no worse and in some respects, rather better than that of
2550-524: Is also the sole currency in three overseas territories of France that are not themselves part of the EU, namely Saint Barthélemy , Saint Pierre and Miquelon , and the French Southern and Antarctic Lands , as well as in the British Overseas Territory of Akrotiri and Dhekelia . The euro has been adopted unilaterally as the sole currency of Montenegro and Kosovo. It has also been used as
2652-455: Is at the origin of a turnover of more than € 200 billion worldwide. Over the centuries, many popular dishes and recipes have often been created by ordinary people more so than by chefs , which is why many Italian recipes are suitable for home and daily cooking , respecting regional specificities, privileging only raw materials and ingredients from the region of origin of the dish and preserving its seasonality. The Mediterranean diet forms
2754-465: Is better known as Italian Sounding , consisting in the use of Italian words as well as images, colour combinations (the Italian tricolour ), geographical references, and brands evocative of Italy to promote and market agri-food products which in reality have nothing to do with Italian cuisine. Italian Sounding invests in almost every sector of Italian food, from the most famous Italian cheeses to cured meats,
2856-408: Is commonly available in traditional or spicy varieties, and the latter is sometimes referred to as "hot mix". Giardiniera is a versatile condiment that can be used on a variety of different foods, such as bratwurst , bruschetta , burgers , pasta salad , eggs ( omelets ), hot dogs , tuna salad , sandwiches , and much more. In the U.S. it is not uncommon to use giardiniera on pasta . In
2958-465: Is discouraged by the commission, as is the practice of certain shops of refusing to accept high-value euro notes. Commemorative coins with €2 face value have been issued with changes to the design of the national side of the coin. These include both commonly issued coins, such as the €2 commemorative coin for the fiftieth anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Rome, and nationally issued coins, such as
3060-471: Is divided into 100 euro cents . The currency is also used officially by the institutions of the European Union , by four European microstates that are not EU members, the British Overseas Territory of Akrotiri and Dhekelia , as well as unilaterally by Montenegro and Kosovo . Outside Europe, a number of special territories of EU members also use the euro as their currency. Additionally, over 200 million people worldwide use currencies pegged to
3162-430: Is divided into two broad categories: dry pasta (100% durum wheat flour mixed with water) and fresh pasta (also with soft wheat flour and almost always mixed with eggs). Pasta is generally cooked by boiling. Under Italian law, dry pasta (pasta secca) can only be made from durum wheat flour or durum wheat semolina , and is more commonly used in southern Italy compared to their northern counterparts, who traditionally prefer
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3264-487: Is evidence of the Etruscans making pasta in Italy during the 4th century BC. The first known Italian food writer was a Greek Sicilian named Archestratus from Syracuse in the 4th century BC. He wrote a poem that spoke of using "top quality and seasonal" ingredients. He said that flavours should not be masked by spices , herbs or other seasonings . He placed importance on simple preparation of fish . Simplicity
3366-528: Is given to seasons and places where fish should be caught. The final volume includes pies, tarts, fritters, and a recipe for a sweet Neapolitan pizza (not the current savoury version, as tomatoes had not yet been introduced to Italy). However, such items from the New World as corn (maize) and turkey are included. Eventually, through the Columbian exchange , Italian cuisine would also adopt not just tomatoes as
3468-566: Is home to the oldest restaurant in Italy and the second in Europe, the Antica trattoria Bagutto [ it ] , which has existed since at least 1284. The oldest Italian book on cuisine is the 13th century Liber de coquina ( Cookbook ) written in Naples. Dishes include "Roman-style" cabbage ( ad usum romanorum ), ad usum campanie which were "small leaves" prepared in the "Campanian manner",
3570-537: Is produced in the earth for our nourishment. It is so-called because Pythagoras , as is well known, only used such produce. There is no doubt that this kind of food appears to be more natural to man, and the use of meat is noxious." This book was the first to give the tomato a central role with 13 recipes. Zuppa al pomodoro ( lit. ' tomato soup ' ) in Corrado's book is a dish similar to today's Tuscan pappa al pomodoro . Corrado's 1798 edition introduced
3672-455: Is traditionally served with meat sauce (including game meat). In southern Italy, tomatoes (fresh or cooked into tomato sauce), peppers, olives and olive oil, garlic, artichokes, oranges, ricotta cheese , aubergines , courgette , certain types of fish (anchovies, sardines, and tuna), and capers are important components to the local cuisine. Many cheeses and dairy products are made in Italy. There are more than 600 distinct types throughout
3774-846: Is used to make pasta. During the 12th century, a Norman king surveyed Sicily and saw people making long strings made from flour and water called atriya , which eventually became trii , a term still used for spaghetti in southern Italy. Normans also introduced the casserole , salted cod (Italian: baccalà ), and stockfish , all of which remain popular. Food preservation was either chemical or physical, as refrigeration did not exist. Meats and fish were smoked , dried or kept on ice. Brine and salt were used to pickle items such as herring , and to cure pork . Root vegetables were preserved in brine after they had been parboiled . Other means of preservation included oil , vinegar , or immersing meat in congealed, rendered fat. For preserving fruits, liquor , honey , and sugar were used. Milan
3876-419: The denominazione di origine controllata (DOC) and the denominazione di origine controllata e garantita (DOCG). protected designation of origin (PDO) and protected geographical indications (PGI) have also been established in olive growing. Some of these are new introductions: the kiwifruit was introduced from New Zealand to Italy in the 1970s, and three decades later, the province of Latina
3978-454: The Italian economy and to the potential resources of Made in Italy ". Two out of three Italian agri-food products sold worldwide are not made in Italy. The Italian Sounding phenomenon is estimated to generate € 55 billion worldwide annually. Following the spread of fast food , also in Italy, imported from Anglo-Saxon countries and in particular from the United States in 1986, in Bra, Piedmont ,
4080-517: The Slow Food cultural and gastronomic movement was founded, then converted into an institution with the aim of protecting culinary specificities and to safeguard various regional products of Italian cuisine under the control of the Slow Food Presidia . Slow Food also focuses on food quality, rather than quantity. It speaks out against overproduction and food waste , and sees globalization as
4182-521: The Tiber , roviglioni and shad from Lake Albano , snails from Rieti , figs from Tuscolo, grapes from Narni , oil from Cassino , oranges from Naples, and eels from Campania . Grains from Lombardy and Campania are mentioned as is honey from Sicily and Taranto. Wine from the Ligurian coast, Greco from Tuscany and San Severino , and Trebbiano from Tuscany and Piceno are also mentioned in
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4284-591: The dobra of São Tomé and Príncipe was officially linked with the euro. Additionally, the Moroccan dirham is tied to a basket of currencies, including the euro and the US dollar, with the euro given the highest weighting. These countries generally had previously implemented a currency peg to one of the major European currencies (e.g. the French franc , Deutsche Mark or Portuguese escudo ), and when these currencies were replaced by
4386-501: The " eurozone ", some 347 million people in total as of 2023 . According to bilateral agreements with the EU , the euro has also been designated as the sole and official currency in a further four European microstates awarded minting rights (Andorra, Monaco, San Marino and the Vatican City). All but one (Denmark) current, and any potential future EU members, are obliged to adopt the euro when economic conditions permit. The euro
4488-485: The 1950s onwards, a great variety of typical products of Italian cuisine have been recognised as PDO, PGI, TSG and GI by the Council of the European Union , to which they are added the indicazione geografica tipica (IGT), the regional prodotto agroalimentare tradizionale (PAT) and the municipal denominazione comunale d'origine (De.C.O.). In the oenological field, there are specific legal protections:
4590-627: The ECB's banknotes are put into circulation by the NCBs, thereby incurring matching liabilities vis-à-vis the ECB. These liabilities carry interest at the main refinancing rate of the ECB. The other 92% of euro banknotes are issued by the NCBs in proportion to their respective shares of the ECB capital key, calculated using national share of European Union (EU) population and national share of EU GDP, equally weighted. Member states are authorised to print or to commission bank note printing. As of November 2022 , these are
4692-599: The Euro, at around US dollar 0.95 per euro. The euro is managed and administered by the European Central Bank (ECB, Frankfurt am Main ) and the Eurosystem , composed of the central banks of the eurozone countries. As an independent central bank, the ECB has sole authority to set monetary policy . The Eurosystem participates in the printing, minting and distribution of euro banknotes and coins in all member states, and
4794-461: The Italian culinary culture among the most important around the world, with the creation, thanks to the use of Italian ingredients, dishes and culinary traditions, of the Italian version of the French nouvelle cuisine . Italian nouvelle cuisine is characterized by lighter, more delicate dishes and an increased emphasis on presentation , and it designed for the most expensive restaurants. It is defined as
4896-579: The Portuguese escudos , which ceased to have monetary value after 31 December 2002, although banknotes remained exchangeable until 2022. A special euro currency sign (€) was designed after a public survey had narrowed ten of the original thirty proposals down to two. The President of the European Commission at the time ( Jacques Santer ) and the European Commissioner with responsibility for
4998-597: The Roman era. This includes the jujube (Italian: giuggiole ), which is celebrated as a regional cuisine in Arquà Petrarca . The Romans also imported cherries, apricots, and peaches. Arabs invaded Sicily in the 9th century, introducing spinach , almonds , and rice . They also brought with them foods from foreign lands that are celebrated as traditional Italian foods: citrus fruit , artichokes, chickpeas , pistachios , sugarcane , aubergines , and durum wheat , which
5100-478: The US or the UK" and the budget deficit for the euro area as a whole is much lower and the euro area's government debt/GDP ratio of 86% in 2010 was about the same level as that of the United States. "Moreover", they write, "private-sector indebtedness across the euro area as a whole is markedly lower than in the highly leveraged Anglo-Saxon economies". The authors conclude that the crisis "is as much political as economic" and
5202-430: The United States were relatively strong creditors – gained attention in summer 2012 even as Germany received a debt-rating warning of its own. The euro is the sole currency of 20 EU member states : Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Spain. These countries constitute
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#17330862369675304-511: The basis of Italian cuisine, rich in pasta , fish , fruits, and vegetables. Cheese , cold cuts , and wine are central to Italian cuisine, and along with pizza and coffee (especially espresso ) form part of Italian gastronomic culture. Desserts have a long tradition of merging local flavours such as citrus fruits , pistachio , and almonds with sweet cheeses such as mascarpone and ricotta or exotic tastes as cocoa, vanilla, and cinnamon. Gelato , tiramisu , and cassata are among
5406-437: The beginning of the 18th century, Italian culinary books began to emphasise the regionalism of Italian cuisine rather than French cuisine . Books written then were no longer addressed to professional chefs but to bourgeois housewives. Periodicals in booklet form such as La cuoca cremonese ( The Cook of Cremona ) in 1794 give a sequence of ingredients according to season along with chapters on meat, fish, and vegetables. As
5508-517: The book. The courts of Florence , Rome , Venice, and Ferrara were central to the cuisine. Cristoforo di Messisbugo , steward to Ippolito d'Este , published Banchetti Composizioni di Vivande ( Banquets Compositions of Food ) in 1549. Messisbugo gives recipes for pies and tarts (containing 124 recipes with various fillings). The work emphasises the use of Eastern spices and sugar. In 1570, Bartolomeo Scappi , personal chef to Pope Pius V , wrote his Opera ( Work ) in five volumes, giving
5610-459: The canon of classic modern Italian cuisine, and it is still in print. Its recipes predominantly originate from Romagna and Tuscany , where he lived. Around 1880, two decades after the Unification of Italy , was the beginning of Italian diaspora , and with it started the spread of Italian cuisine in the world. Italy has a large number of traditional specialities protected under EU law . From
5712-417: The century progressed these books increased in size, popularity, and frequency. In the 18th century, medical texts warned peasants against eating refined foods as it was believed that these were poor for their digestion and their bodies required heavy meals. It was believed that peasants ate poorly because they preferred eating poorly. However, many peasants had to eat rotten food and mouldy bread because that
5814-464: The coin to commemorate the 2004 Summer Olympics issued by Greece. These coins are legal tender throughout the eurozone. Collector coins with various other denominations have been issued as well, but these are not intended for general circulation, and they are legal tender only in the member state that issued them. A number of institutions are authorised to mint euro coins: The design for the euro banknotes has common designs on both sides. The design
5916-526: The country known as Italy did not unite until the 19th century , the cuisine can claim traceable roots as far back as the 4th century BC. Food and culture were very important at that time evident from the cookbook ( Apicius ) which dates to the first century BC. Through the centuries, neighbouring regions, conquerors, high-profile chefs, political upheaval, and the discovery of the New World have influenced its development. Italian cuisine started to form after
6018-435: The country, of which 490 are protected and marked as PDO ( protected designation of origin ), PGI ( protected geographical indication ) and PAT ( prodotto agroalimentare tradizionale ). Olive oil is the most commonly used vegetable fat in Italian cooking and as the basis for sauces, replaced only in some recipes and in some geographical areas by butter or lard . Italy is the largest consumer of olive oil, at 30% of
6120-428: The country, as well as all the diverse regional gastronomies , different from each other, especially between the north , the centre , and the south of Italy, which are in continuous exchange. Many dishes that were once regional have proliferated with variations throughout the country. Italian cuisine offers an abundance of taste, and is one of the most popular and copied around the world. Italian cuisine has left
6222-456: The cuisine of Liguria . This book contained the first recipe for pesto . La Cucina Teorico-Pratica ( The Theoretical-Practical Cuisine ) written by Ippolito Cavalcanti described the first recipe for pasta with tomatoes. La scienza in cucina e l'arte di mangiare bene ( The Science of Cooking and the Art of Eating Well ), by Pellegrino Artusi , first published in 1891, is widely regarded as
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#17330862369676324-441: The cuisine of Chicago, an oil-based giardiniera is often used as a condiment, typically as a topping on Italian beef sandwiches, subs, and pizza. The Italian version includes bell peppers , celery , carrots , cauliflower and gherkins . The pickled vegetables are marinated in oil, red- or white-wine vinegar, herbs and spices. Chicago-style giardiniera is commonly made spicy with sport peppers or chili flakes, along with
6426-447: The dish, in three different ways: Pizza, consisting of a usually round, flat base of leavened wheat-based dough topped with tomatoes, cheese, and often various other ingredients (such as anchovies, mushrooms, onions, olives, meats, and more), which is then baked at a high temperature, traditionally in a wood-fired oven, is the best known and most consumed Italian food in the world. In 2009, upon Italy's request, Neapolitan pizza
6528-537: The euro ( Yves-Thibault de Silguy ) then chose the winning design. Regarding the symbol, the European Commission stated on behalf of the European Union : The symbol € is based on the Greek letter epsilon (Є), with the first letter in the word "Europe" and with 2 parallel lines signifying stability. The European Commission also specified a euro logo with exact proportions. Placement of the currency sign relative to
6630-543: The euro ). The name "euro" was officially adopted in Madrid on 16 December 1995. Belgian Esperantist Germain Pirlot , a former teacher of French and history, is credited with naming the new currency by sending a letter to then President of the European Commission , Jacques Santer , suggesting the name "euro" on 4 August 1995. Due to differences in national conventions for rounding and significant digits, all conversion between
6732-682: The euro , which is a precondition to joining the eurozone. The Danish krone and Bulgarian lev are pegged due to their participation in the ERM ;II . Additionally, a total of 21 countries and territories that do not belong to the EU have currencies that are directly pegged to the euro including 14 countries in mainland Africa ( CFA franc ), two African island countries ( Comorian franc and Cape Verdean escudo ), three French Pacific territories ( CFP franc ) and two Balkan countries, Bosnia and Herzegovina ( Bosnia and Herzegovina convertible mark ) and North Macedonia ( Macedonian denar ). On 1 January 2010,
6834-420: The euro . The euro is the second-largest reserve currency as well as the second-most traded currency in the world after the United States dollar . As of December 2019, with more than €1.3 trillion in circulation, the euro has one of the highest combined values of banknotes and coins in circulation in the world. The name euro was officially adopted on 16 December 1995 in Madrid . The euro
6936-449: The euro their currencies became pegged to the euro. Pegging a country's currency to a major currency is regarded as a safety measure, especially for currencies of areas with weak economies, as the euro is seen as a stable currency, prevents runaway inflation, and encourages foreign investment due to its stability. In total, as of 2013 , 182 million people in Africa use a currency pegged to
7038-461: The euro traded below the US dollar, but has since traded near parity with or above the US dollar, peaking at US$ 1.60 on 18 July 2008 and since then returning near to its original issue rate. On 13 July 2022, the two currencies hit parity for the first time in nearly two decades due in part to the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine . Then, in September 2022, the US dollar again had a face value higher than
7140-592: The euro, while the remaining states do not have a migration plan in progress. The euro is divided into 100 cents (also referred to as euro cents , especially when distinguishing them from other currencies, and referred to as such on the common side of all cent coins). In Community legislative acts the plural forms of euro and cent are spelled without the s , notwithstanding normal English usage. Otherwise, normal English plurals are used, with many local variations such as centime in France. All circulating coins have
7242-421: The eurozone are also treated as domestic transactions; however paper-based payment orders, like cheques, have not been standardised so these are still domestic-based. The ECB has also set up a clearing system , TARGET , for large euro transactions. The euro was established by the provisions in the 1992 Maastricht Treaty . To participate in the currency, member states are meant to meet strict criteria , such as
7344-512: The fall of the Roman Empire , when different cities began to separate and form their own traditions. Many different types of bread and pasta were made, and there was a variation in cooking techniques and preparation. Trade, the location on the Silk Road , and its routes to Asia also influenced the local development of special dishes. Due to the climatic conditions and the different proximity to
7446-648: The fresh egg variety. Durum flour and durum semolina have a yellow tinge in colour. Italian dried pasta is traditionally cooked al dente ( lit. ' to the tooth ' ). There are many types of wheat flour with varying gluten and protein levels depending on the variety of grain used. Particular varieties of pasta may also use other grains and milling methods to make the flour, as specified by law. Some pasta varieties, such as pizzoccheri , are made from buckwheat flour. Fresh pasta may include eggs (Italian: pasta all'uovo , lit. ' egg pasta ' ). Both dry and fresh pasta are used to prepare
7548-548: The initial designs by Robert Kalina were of specific bridges, including the Rialto and the Pont de Neuilly , and were subsequently rendered more generic; the final designs still bear very close similarities to their specific prototypes; thus they are not truly generic. The monuments looked similar enough to different national monuments to please everyone. The Europa series, or second series, consists of six denominations and no longer includes
7650-497: The map only showed the 15 member states of the union as of 2002. Beginning in 2007 or 2008 (depending on the country), the old map was replaced by a map of Europe also showing countries outside the EU . The 1-, 2- and 5-cent coins, however, keep their old design, showing a geographical map of Europe with the EU member states as of 2002, raised somewhat above the rest of the map. All common sides were designed by Luc Luycx . The coins also have
7752-870: The most common ingredients. Pasta dishes with tomato are common throughout Italy. Italians use ingredients that are fresh and subtly seasoned and spiced. In northern Italy there are many types of stuffed pasta , although polenta and risotto are equally popular if not more so. Ligurian ingredients include several types of fish and seafood dishes. Basil (found in pesto ), nuts, and olive oil are very common. In Emilia-Romagna, common ingredients include prosciutto (Italian ham), cotechino , different sorts of salami , truffles, grana , Parmesan (Italian: Parmigiano Reggiano ), tomatoes ( Bolognese sauce or ragù ) and balsamic vinegar (Italian: aceto balsamico ). Traditional central Italian cuisine uses ingredients such as tomatoes, all types of meat, fish, and pecorino . In Tuscany , pasta (especially pappardelle )
7854-421: The most famous examples of Italian desserts, cakes, and patisserie. Italian cuisine relies heavily on traditional products; the country has a large number of traditional specialities protected under EU law . Italy is the world's largest producer of wine , as well as the country with the widest variety of indigenous grapevine varieties in the world. Italian cuisine has developed over the centuries. Although
7956-680: The national currencies ceased to be legal tender varied from member state to member state. The earliest date was in Germany, where the mark officially ceased to be legal tender on 31 December 2001, though the exchange period lasted for two months more. Even after the old currencies ceased to be legal tender, they continued to be accepted by national central banks for periods ranging from several years to indefinitely (the latter for Austria, Germany, Ireland, Estonia and Latvia in banknotes and coins, and for Belgium, Luxembourg, Slovenia and Slovakia in banknotes only). The earliest coins to become non-convertible were
8058-505: The national currencies had to be carried out using the process of triangulation via the euro. The definitive values of one euro in terms of the exchange rates at which the currency entered the euro are shown in the table. The rates were determined by the Council of the European Union , based on a recommendation from the European Commission based on the market rates on 31 December 1998. They were set so that one European Currency Unit (ECU) would equal one euro. The European Currency Unit
8160-688: The numeric amount varies from state to state, but for texts in English published by EU institutions, the symbol (or the ISO -standard "EUR") should precede the amount. Following the U.S. financial crisis in 2008, fears of a sovereign debt crisis developed in 2009 among investors concerning some European states, with the situation becoming particularly tense in early 2010 . Greece was most acutely affected, but fellow Eurozone members Cyprus , Ireland , Italy , Portugal , and Spain were also significantly affected. All these countries used EU funds except Italy, which
8262-523: The obligation to adopt the euro by not meeting the monetary and budgetary requirements. All nations that have joined the EU since 1993 have pledged to adopt the euro in due course. The Maastricht Treaty was amended by the 2001 Treaty of Nice , which closed the gaps and loopholes in the Maastricht and Rome Treaties. The 20 participating members are EU Outermost Regions : Overseas Territories : Special Autonomous Territories : Microstates with
8364-444: The operation of the eurozone payment systems. The 1992 Maastricht Treaty obliges most EU member states to adopt the euro upon meeting certain monetary and budgetary convergence criteria , although not all participating states have done so. Denmark has negotiated exemptions, while Sweden (which joined the EU in 1995, after the Maastricht Treaty was signed) turned down the euro in a 2003 non-binding referendum , and has circumvented
8466-403: The printers: Capital within the EU may be transferred in any amount from one state to another. All intra-Union transfers in euro are treated as domestic transactions and bear the corresponding domestic transfer costs. This includes all member states of the EU, even those outside the eurozone providing the transactions are carried out in euro. Credit/debit card charging and ATM withdrawals within
8568-502: The public; a design competition will also be held. Since 1 January 2002, the national central banks (NCBs) and the ECB have issued euro banknotes on a joint basis. Eurosystem NCBs are required to accept euro banknotes put into circulation by other Eurosystem members and these banknotes are not repatriated. The ECB issues 8% of the total value of banknotes issued by the Eurosystem. In practice,
8670-455: The result of the fact that the euro area lacks the support of "institutional paraphernalia (and mutual bonds of solidarity) of a state". The crisis continued with S&P downgrading the credit rating of nine euro-area countries, including France, then downgrading the entire European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF) fund. A historical parallel – to 1931 when Germany was burdened with debt, unemployment and austerity while France and
8772-430: The sea, different basic foods and spices were available from region to region. Regional cuisine is represented by some of the major cities in Italy. For example, Milan (in the north of Italy) is known for risottos , Trieste (in the northeast of Italy) is known for multicultural food, Bologna (in the centre of Italy) is known for its tortellini , and Naples (in the south of Italy) is famous for its pizzas . There
8874-684: The shapes for which they are named— penne , maccheroni , spaghetti , linguine , fusilli , lasagne . Many more varieties are filled with other ingredients, such as ravioli and tortellini . The word pasta is also used to refer to dishes in which pasta products are a primary ingredient. It is usually served with sauce. There are hundreds of different shapes of pasta with at least locally recognised names. Examples include spaghetti ('thin rods'), rigatoni ('tubes' or 'cylinders'), fusilli ('swirls'), and lasagne ('sheets'). Dumplings, such as gnocchi (made with potatoes or pumpkin) and noodles such as spätzle , are sometimes considered pasta. Pasta
8976-464: The successor to the European Currency Unit (ECU). The notes and coins for the old currencies, however, continued to be used as legal tender until new euro notes and coins were introduced on 1 January 2002. The changeover period during which the former currencies' notes and coins were exchanged for those of the euro lasted about two months, until 28 February 2002. The official date on which
9078-415: The total of sausages and cured meats consumed in Europe, while others are marked as PAT. Salumi are Italian meat products typical of an antipasto , predominantly made from pork and cured . They are also include bresaola , which is made from beef, and some cooked products, such as mortadella and prosciutto . Meat , especially beef , pork, and poultry , is very present in Italian cuisine, in
9180-421: The world together with waves of Italian diaspora . Significant changes occurred with the colonization of the Americas and the introduction of potatoes , tomatoes , capsicums , maize , and sugar beet —the latter introduced in quantity in the 18th century. It is one of the best-known and most widely appreciated gastronomies worldwide. Italian cuisine includes deeply rooted traditions common throughout
9282-477: The world total. It also has the largest range of olive cultivars in existence and is the second largest producer and exporter in the world, producing more than 464,000 tons. Bread has always been a fundamental food in Italian cuisine, and that of other Mediterranean countries. There are numerous regional types of bread. Italian cuisine has a great variety of sausages and cured meats , many of which are protected and marked as PDO and PGI, and make up 34% of
9384-433: The €500 with issuance discontinued as of 27 April 2019. However, both the first and the second series of euro banknotes, including the €500, remain legal tender throughout the euro area. In December 2021, the ECB announced its plans to redesign euro banknotes by 2024. A theme advisory group, made up of one member from each euro area country, was selected to submit theme proposals to the ECB. The proposals will be voted on by
9486-440: Was a Protestant . The book lists Italian vegetables and fruits along with their preparation. He featured vegetables as a central part of the meal, not just as accompaniments. Castelvetro favoured simmering vegetables in salted water and serving them warm or cold with olive oil, salt, fresh ground pepper, lemon juice, verjus or orange juice . He also suggested roasting vegetables wrapped in damp paper over charcoal or embers with
9588-648: Was abandoned and replaced by a culture of gastronomy as the Roman Empire developed . By the time De re coquinaria was published in the 1st century AD, it contained 470 recipes calling for heavy use of spices and herbs. The Romans employed Greek bakers to produce breads and imported cheeses from Sicily, as the Sicilians had a reputation as the best cheesemakers . The Romans reared goats for butchering , and grew artichokes and leeks . Some foods considered traditional were imported to Italy from foreign countries during
9690-668: Was all they could afford. In 1779, Antonio Nebbia from Macerata in the Marche region, wrote Il Cuoco Maceratese ( The Cook of Macerata ). Nebbia addressed the importance of local vegetables and pasta, rice, and gnocchi . For stock, he preferred vegetables and chicken over other meats. In 1773, the Neapolitan Vincenzo Corrado's Il Cuoco Galante ( The Courteous Cook ) gave particular emphasis to vitto pitagorico ( pythagorean food ). "Pythagorean food consists of fresh herbs, roots, flowers, fruits, seeds and all that
9792-560: Was already two years old. While the conversion rates for the initial eleven currencies were determined only hours before the euro was introduced, the conversion rate for the Greek drachma was fixed several months beforehand. The currency was introduced in non-physical form ( traveller's cheques , electronic transfers, banking, etc.) at midnight on 1 January 1999, when the national currencies of participating countries (the eurozone) ceased to exist independently. Their exchange rates were locked at fixed rates against each other. The euro thus became
9894-496: Was an accounting unit used by the EU, based on the currencies of the member states; it was not a currency in its own right. They could not be set earlier, because the ECU depended on the closing exchange rate of the non-euro currencies (principally pound sterling ) that day. The procedure used to fix the conversion rate between the Greek drachma and the euro was different since the euro by then
9996-505: Was created by the Austrian designer Robert Kalina . Notes are issued in €500 , €200 , €100 , €50 , €20 , €10 , and €5 . Each banknote has its own colour and is dedicated to an artistic period of European architecture. The front of the note features windows or gateways while the back has bridges, symbolising links between states in the union and with the future. While the designs are supposed to be devoid of any identifiable characteristics,
10098-483: Was designated the "Land of the Kiwi" and given protected status as a regional delicacy. Italian cuisine is one of the most popular and copied cultures worldwide. The lack or total unavailability of some of its most characteristic ingredients outside of Italy, leads to the complete de-naturalization of Italian ingredients, and above all else leads to falsifications (or food fraud). This phenomenon, widespread in all continents,
10200-513: Was included in a 1475 book by Bartolomeo Platina printed in Venice entitled De honesta voluptate et valetudine ( On Honest Pleasure and Good Health ). Platina puts Martino's Libro in a regional context, writing about perch from Lake Maggiore , sardines from Lake Garda , grayling from Adda , hens from Padua , olives from Bologna and Piceno , turbot from Ravenna , rudd from Lake Trasimeno , carrots from Viterbo , bass from
10302-442: Was introduced to world financial markets as an accounting currency on 1 January 1999, replacing the former European Currency Unit (ECU) at a ratio of 1:1 (US$ 1.1743 at the time). Physical euro coins and banknotes entered into circulation on 1 January 2002, making it the day-to-day operating currency of its original members, and by March 2002 it had completely replaced the former currencies. Between December 1999 and December 2002,
10404-455: Was registered with the European Union as a traditional speciality guaranteed dish, and in 2017 the art of its making was included on UNESCO 's list of intangible cultural heritage . Up to 20% of the flour in the traditional pizza crust can be strong Manitoba flour , which was introduced to Italy from Canada as part of the Marshall Plan after World War II. In Italy it is consumed as
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