Significance

• The foundation of rustic Italian cooking is creating meals without any pretentious or extraordinary ingredients. There are no processed or mass produced products involved. A key to rustic cooking is keeping the ingredients as near to the earth and the plate as possible. The more local and fresh, the better.
  
  

Differences

• Rustic cooking differs from various cooking techniques including "fusion," which combines ingredients and methods from different cuisines. Many rustic dishes incorporate only three or four ingredients either grown or raised locally--not imported. One-platter hearty meals called Piatti Unici are typical Italian weekday fare.
  
  

Geography

• Because of Italy's 20 almost semi-independent regions, a favorite rustic dish found in one town might be unheard of in a neighboring village. This diversity helps create a rich buffet of dishes.
  
  

Cheeses

• Many kinds of cheeses are found in rustic dishes. Parmigiano Regiano and Grana di Padano are grainy, sharp-flavored cheeses often grated into pastas and risotti.
  
  

Olives

• Good for your heart and cholesterol levels, olives and olive oil are often found in rustic dishes such as pastas and pizzas.