The Flavours of South Tyrol: Typical Local Products
South Tyrol is a land of authentic flavours and centuries-old culinary traditions. Its extraordinary geographical and cultural diversity gives life to high-quality typical products, the result of a perfect balance between nature, passion and local savoir-faire. From smoked speck to the golden fruits of Val Venosta, every speciality tells a story of territory and authenticity.
Speck Alto Adige: Tradition and Authentic Taste
Speck Alto Adige is more than just a cold cut — it is a true symbol of South Tyrolean culture. Born from an age-old tradition, it is produced exclusively in this region, where the mountain air and pure alpine climate create the ideal conditions for its curing process. Its unique flavour comes from the perfect balance between light smoking and open-air maturation, giving it an unmistakable aroma and irresistible texture.
To guarantee its quality, Speck Alto Adige PGI is subject to strict controls by the Istituto Nordest Qualità (INEQ) in San Daniele. You can recognize it by the logo featuring the traditional green loden apron and the red seal marked “SÜDTIROL”.
For an authentic experience, don’t miss the Speck Festival, held every year on the third weekend of May in Bolzano. Between folk music, traditional dances and local games, you can enjoy typical dishes based on speck and other South Tyrolean specialities.
Mountain Cheeses: The Taste of the Alps
South Tyrol is home to cheeses with a unique character, produced with high-quality milk from cows grazing on alpine pastures. Among the finest is Stelvio PDO, the only South Tyrolean cheese with Protected Designation of Origin, known for its strong and slightly spicy flavour. Another star is Graukäse, a lean cheese with an intense taste that matures naturally without a rind and is often served with onions and apple vinegar.
Perfect on their own, these mountain cheeses also enrich traditional recipes such as cheese dumplings (Canederli al formaggio) or accompany cured meats on rustic platters.
South Tyrolean Apples: Crispness and Natural Sweetness
The undisputed queen of South Tyrolean fruit farming, the apple of South Tyrol is renowned for its superior quality and exceptional taste. Thanks to a unique microclimate with sunny days and cool nights, these apples develop the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity.
Among the most appreciated varieties are Golden Delicious, Jonagold and the refined Pink Lady. The blooming orchards of the Merano area and the South Tyrolean Garden offer a breathtaking sight in spring, while at the end of summer they turn into a colourful harvest landscape.
For enthusiasts and professionals alike, Bolzano hosts Interpoma every two years — the only trade fair in the world entirely dedicated to the cultivation, storage and marketing of apples.
Apricots from Val Venosta: The Gold of the Alps
Between 600 and 1,100 metres above sea level, on sun-kissed slopes swept by mountain breezes, grow the prized Val Venosta apricots. The valley’s unique climate, with strong temperature differences between day and night, gives these fruits their intense sweetness and irresistible texture.
Their velvety skin, orange with amber-red hues, hides a juicy and fragrant pulp. Perfect enjoyed fresh, Val Venosta apricots are also ideal for making jams, syrups and aromatic liqueurs — a way to savour the taste of the South Tyrolean summer all year round.
Come and Discover the Flavours of South Tyrol!
From the aroma of smoked speck to the finest alpine fruits, every South Tyrolean speciality tells a story of tradition, passion and unspoilt nature. Plan your trip to South Tyrol and let yourself be captivated by its unique flavours!