Lentils, “cotechino”, grapes and pomegranate are some of the most famous flavors of the Tuscan New Year's Eve tradition. We're talking about special foods that are believed to bring luck and prosperity for the coming year and that you can surely find in every italian and Tuscan celebration.
With their great nutritional value, lentils are the most widespread tradition across Italy. They have been always associated with money, due to their shape similar to coins. They are eaten, therefore, for a year full of abundance and richness.
Cotechino is an Italian charcuterie product, similar to salami, but it must be cooked, though it is boiled at low heat for about four hours. Its name comes from cotica (rind), but it may take different names in different production areas in Italy. Cotechino and lentils are usually served together.
Grapes are the equivalent of lentils and a symbol of luck. The tradition, imported from Spain, consists of eating onegrape for each month of the New Year.
Pomegranate is a symbol of fidelity and fecundity. When eaten on the last night of the year with your partner, it is a symbol of devotion and prosperity.
As if that were not enough… you can also complete the perfect ritual of wearing red underwear and having a kiss …under the mistletoe. Happy, HAPPY new year!
