Forgotten Fruits in Emilia-Romagna

An unusual plant known as rampion is celebrated at Borghi on the first Sunday after Easter. Rampion is found growing wild in the fields. Its leaves are edible; they have a pleasant, slightly sweet taste and are often used in salads or boiled and served with vinegar.

The Tortellino Festival (Sagra del Tortellino Tipico) is held annually in Reno Centese, in the province of Ferrara, at the end of June. Here, the keen gourmet can eat tortellini stuffed with everything from truffles to wild herbs, dressed with ragu, melted butter or cream, and also watch the experts make them. This little pasta parcel is supposed to resemble the belly button of Venus, the most beautiful goddess.