Monday, June 23, 2025

Amazing Italy - A Look at the Po Delta

 

Amazing Italy:

A Look at the Po Delta with Maria Cristina Buoso

by Maria Teresa De Donato

 

 


 

MTDD: Hi Maria Cristina, welcome back to my virtual cultural living room.


MCB: Thanks for the invitation. It is always a pleasure to be your guest.

 

 

MTDD: The adventure in our wonderful Italy continues today with an area of ​​particular interest, both geographically and agriculturally. We are talking about the Po Delta.


What can you tell us about it?


MCB: The Po was born in the Monviso, crosses the entire Po Valley, and then leads to the Adriatic Sea. Its branches create a branched and huge mouth divided into two parts, one in the province of Rovigo and one in Ferrara. It has an area of ​​about 18,000 hectares, and this is why it largely falls in the province of Rovigo and occupies an enormous portion, the eastern one, from the beginning of the Po di Goro to the sea. His represents an example of an "active delta."

The Po Delta was included in 1999 among the World Heritage Sites of Italy by UNESCO as an extension of the recognition awarded to the city of Ferrara in 1995. Towards the end of the eighties, the growing ecological and environmental problems pushed greater awareness of nature. Therefore, the areas of excellent environmental value were identified for greater protection, and in 2015, the Po Delta area was recognized by UNESCO as a biosphere reserve.

 


MTDD: How are these "protected natural areas?

 

MCB: the "protected natural areas" include:- The Po Delta Regional Park of the Emilia-Romagna- born in 1988 but operating since 1996, which includes territories and wetlands that are part of the water basin of other rivers (including Rhine and Lamone) and embraces much of the historical delta of the Po (its main branch in the Po di Primaro who became Reno Riocia), but only a tiny part of the current delta. - The Veneto Regional Park of the Delta del Po was born in 1997 and has been active since the same year. It includes a large part of the current geographical delta of the Po. In the course of the geological eras, the entire Po Valley has undergone profound changes that advanced and referred to the coastal line, with the result that the mouth of the Po has moved hundreds of kilometers and has changed its form and extension many times.

 

Those who wish to deepen this topic will find more information at the following links:


https://www.parcodeltapo.org/mappa.phphttps://www.parks.it/parco.delta.po.ve/mapl.php


https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/delta_del_pohttps://www.ferrarararaeaquaCqua.it/it/parco-del-delta-del-parco-del-delta-del-po


https://www.ferraraterraeaquaCqua.it/it/come-arrivare/mappe/mappa-del-del-delta-po/view

 




 

MTDD: Thanks, Maria Cristina, for this research.


Which recipe do we conclude our interview today with?


MCB: Thanks. It's my pleasure. Today, I want to introduce you to the Plate Radicchio.

 

 




Recipe


Plate Radicchio



It is very simple to prepare. We usually use the Red Radicchio of Treviso; it is also excellent as an appetizer. It is seasoned with a drizzle of oil or balsamic vinegar or enriched with dried fruit. It combines with any dish based on meat or fish and is an excellent accompaniment to cheeses of various seasonings, always with good wine. The recipe is simple: have a cast iron plate or a non-stick equivalent. Over the case, use the grill safely. The late Treviso red radicchio is longer and tapered with red-purple leaves. Usually, it can be found until April and is used most of the time, but another type is also acceptable. Cut the head in half, wash, and then cook. Turn over, and when it is ready, season with an excellent extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper. If you want to exaggerate, add a handful of chopped almonds, some Parmesan cockroaches, and a thread of berries for a natural gourmet touch.

 

Enjoy your meal!