It was probably the Celts who introduced pig farming into Emilia Romagna.

The abundance of oak trees meant their animals could eat and eat their favourite acorns, and so the roots for Parma ham and today's huge salumi industry were laid.

Coppa del Cardinale is the pork you may see in take away pizza and sandwich bars.

A light red color, moist in appearance and perhaps a touch fatty, it is incredibly tasty with white, fresh pizza bread 'pizza bianca' and a slice of mozzarella cheese.

There are a number of interesting food festivals or 'Sagre' during June in the region of Emilia Romagna. Look out for those dedicated to rosemary (in Lesignano), cherries (in Civitella), squid with peas (in Bellaria) and the wine and ciambella (in Castel Guelfo).

A recent press release outlined the increasing popularity of both Mortadella Bologna IGP and Cotechino Modena IGP. The IGP (indicazione geografica protetta) mark of quality was awarded to the Mortadella of Bologna in 1998, and in recent years sales have increased by over 35% and production by a similar figure.

The 'Camera di Commercio, Industria, Artigianato e Agricoltura di Bologna' has produced a small paperback called 'La Mercanzia' which outlines the history and background to tortellini pasta from Bologna and tagliatelle pasta. It is without doubt the definitive source for anyone seeking information about Emilia Romagna's classic pasta.

The full name of this rare breed is 'Antica Razza Reggiana' and the breed's main claim to fame is that the very first parmigiano reggiano cheese was made with its milk.

The 29 November 2003 saw the inauguration of the Museo del Parmigiano-Reggiano in Soragna, province of Parma.

The 'Parmesan Cheese' museum is the first of three which will celebrate the typical products of the zone, all famous across the world. Just think of Parma ham.

Parmigiano Reggiano cheese is one of Italy's great cheeses, but whatever you do don't say 'parmesan cheese'.

A recent law has asserted that 'parmesan cheese' is not parmigiano-reggiano cheese and the name cannot be used to fool the customer into thinking the cheese they are buying is the real thing.

The vineyards of Emilia Romagna stretch over 60,000 hectares. Two thirds grow on the plain while the other third grows on the hills. Almost half the area produces white Trebbiano and red Sangiovese grapes.

In Italy, Nutella has an almost mythical status. It has taken on a type of cradle to the grave significance and has gone beyond just being a popular brand. It is a mix of chocolate cream and hazelnuts and produced by Ferrero Rocher at their factory in Alba, Piemonte.

Voghiera is in the province of Ferrara and every August holds its garlic festival when the year's crop is harvested. Biu what makes the garlic of Voghiera so special?

The experts tell us it's a combination of whiteness, large cloves and that it lasts a long time before going mouldy.

Our choice of four of the best annual May food festivals near Ravenna, no doubt all washed down with the fabulous local Sangiovese Superiore wine. Have a sleep before driving back to your accommodation!

Lambrusco Mio" or 'My Lambrusco' takes place at Modena in mid May. Like many similar events during the year in Italy (e.g. Mondograppa and Balsamica) the initiative is designed to highlight the culture and uniqueness of a territory, as much as the product itself.

One of the finest of all food products originating from Emilia Romagna is traditional balsamic vinegar from the Modena area.

It is made only from the Trebbiano grape vine, and not basil leaves as we wrongly thought many years ago.

However, for us the smell of 'basilico' and 'aceto balsamico tradizionale' has a similar intoxicating effect.

What are the top Sangiovese and Lambrusco wines and wine labels in Italy? You can, of course, drink through the lot of them and come up with an opinion, but it's better to draw up a short list first.

Every September in the town of Guastalla, a corner of Emilia Romagna remembers the flora, fauna and fruit which once populated much of this section of the Padana plain.

The first half of October sees the not to missed eel festival of Comacchio in the province of Ferrara. We have been to Comacchio in mid July and enjoyed a grilled plate of the slippery fish. But, although eels can be eaten throughout the year, the atmosphere of the festival at the self declared Italian capital of eels must be something special.

March 2009 in Castello di Agazzano, province of Piacenza, sees the first edition of Sorgentedelvino.

Sorgentedelvino natural wine event. The exhibition highlights wine which has been made only with natural methods based on the traditions and local territorial know how from the past. In other words: 'nel segno della terra e dell’anima del vignaiolo'.

The first Pizza Olympics or 'Le Olimpiadi della Pizza took place from the 26-29 March 2007. The event was organised in response to the ever increasing world dominance of the American pizza restaurant chains such as Pizza Hut, Domino's Pizza and Papa John and was held in Salsomaggiore Terme in the province of Parma.

'Home Food - I Mangiari di Casa' is the name of an association established for the protection and valorization of the typical culinary gastronomic patrimony of Italy.

Home Food Le CesarineIn simple words, the Home Food project has created the possibility for all of us to be the guest of an Italian family and eat classic local recipes cooked by the Lady of the House.

Porcini mushrooms are interesting things. They tend to be bought either dry in vacuum packets in supermarkets or fresh in traditional markets. Knowing what to do with them is another matter.

f you are interested in cherries, pies and balsamic vinegar then head to the town of Vignola near Modena. The name 'Vignola' probably comes from the Latin "vineola", which means little vineyard.

From the enthusiasm of a young Italian collector, Enrico Maltoni, anyone passionate about Italian coffee and coffee making machines can now find out more close up.A dedicated exhibition with accompanying book and website is now celebrating one of the most beloved habits of Italian people: espresso coffee.

'Sua Maestà il Maiale' is a Parma ham festival with a difference. Both a cultural and gastronomic event it is a journey into the ancient traditions and flavours of the province of Parma.

The food and wine of the Adriatic coast along the Italian Riviera in Emilia Romagna is as varied and rich as the territory. From Ravenna to Ferrara, Rimini to Forli-Cesena each province boasts its own unique flavours and culinary traditions.