Food for thought: Italian culinary traditions make UNESCO intangible cultural heritage list

Italian cooking, and all its traditions, have been hailed as models to follow and protect by the UN's cultural agency.

At a meeting on Wednesday in New Delhi of UNESCO's Intergovernmental Committee, a unanimous decision was taken to safeguard Italian cuisine on its list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

It's the world's first cuisine to be recognised in its entirety.

In a statement, the committee described Italian cooking as a "cultural and social blend of culinary traditions," praising the practice as "a way of caring for oneself and others, expressing love and rediscovering one's cultural roots, offering communities an outlet to share their history and describe the world around them."

Pride, profits and sustainability

The UN committee also hailed Italian cuisine for its use of raw materials, their seasonality and artisanal food, as well as its respect for "ingredients and shared moments around the table."

"People of all ages and genders participate, exchanging recipes, suggestions and stories, with grandparents often passing down traditional dishes to their grandchildren," it adds.

Italian kitchen culture is also equally praised for its "anti-waste recipes" which help maintain a sense of sustainability and promote Italy's biocultural diversity.

"There's a collective and ongoing discussion around food which changes the consumption of meals, whether at a dinner table in schools, solitary canteens or in trattoria taverns," according to a UNESCO video which documents Italy's past and present attitudes to its cuisine.

The recognition from the UN's cultural and heritage organisation has understandably been welcomed by Italy's government. In a video message in response, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said "this is a record that makes us proud, as cuisine is our most formidable ambassador."

Pride which also translates into good profits with a menu of culture and cuisine worth an estimated €250 billion worldwide, according to the Italian government.