If you’re looking to take home some of the best that Emilia-Romagna has to offer, then you’ll want to make sure to pick up some balsamic vinegar, Parma ham, Parmigiano Reggiano, and a bottle of Lambrusco.
Balsamic vinegar is a staple of the region, and a good bottle will last you a long time. Parma ham is another delicious and long-lasting product, perfect for sandwiches or as a snack. Parmigiano Reggiano is, of course, a must-have for any cheese lover, and the region’s Lambrusco wines are some of the best in the world.
All of these products are available at most supermarkets and specialty shops in Emilia-Romagna. However, if you’re looking for the best selection and quality, you’ll want to visit one of the region’s many food markets. Here, you’ll find vendors selling everything from locally-grown produce to handmade pasta, and you’ll be able to chat with the producers and get their recommendations on the best products to buy.
When packing your Emilia-Romagna goodies for the journey home, keep in mind that cured meats and cheeses can be difficult to transport. If you’re not planning on eating them immediately, it’s best to vacuum-seal them and store them in your checked luggage. Balsamic vinegar and Lambrusco, on the other hand, can be packed in your carry-on without any problems.
If you’re looking to buy Emilia-Romagna products in bulk, or you’re based outside of the region, you can also order them online from specialty food shops. Just make sure to research the shipping regulations for your destination before you buy, as some countries have restrictions on importing food products.
Taking home Parmesan cheese – Parmigiano Reggiano.
Parmesan cheese as it is an aged cheese is safe to take back to most countries in the world, including the U.S. Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Hong Kong and of course the entire EU. Generally speaking there are no restrictions in self importing Parmigiano Reggiano to any country. Custom officers back home should not give you any trouble when taking with you this aged cheese. It also a common norm to vacuum pack the cheese, and remember to ask for “sotto vuoto”, the shop keeper will oblige and vacuum pack the cheese for you. In this form the Parmesan cheese will last for 6 months and once opened, store it in a Tupperware container for no longer than 2/3 months.
Taking Home Parma ham and other salumi.
For cured meat is a different story, unfortunately it virtually impossible to bring back any meat products when travelling outside the EU. The U.S. Japanese and Australian customs are quite strict when it comes to cold cuts from Italy, they might impose hefty fines. On the other hand if you travel inside the E.U. there are no restrictions of any kind.
Bringing back Traditional Balsamic Vinegar.
Aceto balsamico tradizionale of Modena and Reggio Emilia comes in 100 ml bottles and it is packed in sturdy boxes. Theoretically you could take it on the plane on your carry-on luggage as the content is 100 ml, however rather than confronting the check-in people with your precious black gold it would be a better option to store it in your checked-in luggage. As it comes in its strong boxes there are no chances of breaking the bottles. Shipping is another option but not all producers do it and it is costly especially for small purchases.
Taking home a bottle of Lambrusco from Italy.
Good Lambrusco is scarce back home, you are more likely to be able to find cheaper versions that fill the bottom of the supermarket shelves. In the last 10 years Lambrusco producers have been working hard to make upper scale versions of the wine and get the recognitions that they should really deserve. Many visitors after trying our best Lambrusco cannot go home without a bottle of the red sparkling wine. Customs wise is permitted to take alcohol back home but the quantities vary depending on the country so it is better to check this details before taking large quantities. Of course there are no restriction for personal use within the E.U. Bottles travel safely in the check in luggage but they should be properly wrapped before packing them. Try to wrap a towel around them. Shipping wine is also an option but really worth only if you buy expensive premium wines.
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