In the old days Tuscans were known by their fellow Italians as mangiafagioli (beaneaters) and the humble white bean was la carne dei poveri (the poor man’s meat). These days of course, the mere mention of Tuscany evokes visions of abundance.

The Real Flavour of Tuscany tells the remarkable story of Tuscan cookery through visual and written portraits of some of Tuscany’s most extraordinary gastronomic and food-related
artisans.

Author Lori de Mori has lived in Tuscany for many years and is convinced that the genius of the place can best be understood by looking closely at the lives of some of the exceptional
people who live and work there – they seem to share a kind of personal integrity, a sincere belief in the excellence of their work and a certain humility – the ability to light the wood
stove, milk the ewes, coax the bees out of their hives – quietly, without pretence – day after day, year after year.

In this fascinating book, Lori de Mori and Jason Lowe feature 25 portraits of these individuals, chosen for their particular genius, passion and the excellence of their work – people like Gianluca Paoli, who arrives at his restaurant (Florence’s beloved Cocco Lezzone)