Local products in Rome: green is old news
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Greek-German photographer Nikolas Konstantin tours the local farms, restaurants and markets of the Italian capital to get a sense of its inbuilt culture and tradition
Geographically Italy is divided into two worlds: the 'terroni' from the south and the 'polentoni' from the north.
(Image: ©Nikolas Konstantin)
While the terroni are famous for the natural taste of homely sun-spoiled fruits and vegetables, Polentonian northern cuisine satisfies with its richness in sauces and details. Rome is the melting pot of these two worlds, where the meaty sauces of the north meet the simple tastes of the south to form their own unique cuisine
(Image: ©Nikolas Konstantin)
Three core principles of Italian cooking. As Leonardo da Vinci once remarked, 'Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication'
(Image: ©Nikolas Konstantin)
Since their resistance to an opening of a McDonald's near the Spanish Steps in 1986, the Slow Food movement actively shapes the city. As well as month-long fairs on fish and cheese, the NGO supports 0 Kilometri, an initiative of consuming food that comes only from a radius of 100 km. Weekly 'zero kilometer' markets give space to a multitude of various specialities that have been planted, harvested and prepared in the region of Lazio
(Image: ©Nikolas Konstantin)
Annamaria Baiocco and her colleagues from the Legambiente Garbatella foundation Circolo decided to stay local after having lost their jobs during the economic crisis. She and her team of twenty-two dedicate their time to vegetables and seasoning. Their field is 5 km from the city centre. 'You wouldn't believe the quality and taste of our products comes from a city like Rome,' she smiles proudly
(Image: ©Nikolas Konstantin)
While younger people opt for the supermarket, the bulk of Italians still prefer to go to the market. Knowing your local vegetable dealer and conversing on the hardships and merits of the harvest pays off. A stroll through the market brings me closer to the older generation, young mothers and the salesmen who convince me that their harvest is the 'best in Italy'
(Image: ©Nikolas Konstantin)
While elsewhere in Europe fast-food outlets account for twenty percent of the restaurant business, Italy still remains at a moderate five. The secret to Grandma's secret sauce is hours of simmering and stirring
(Image: ©Nikolas Konstantin)
The Italian phrase 'delicious idleness' refers to the beauty of doing nothing. To most Italians there's little in life more pleasurable and more civilised than enjoying life over a filled 'tavolo' in the company of your friends
(Image: ©Nikolas Konstantin)