LOS ANGELES — The United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization, also known as UNESCO, just recognized Italian cuisine on its list of intangible cultural heritage of humanity.
It’s the first time any one cuisine has been highlighted by the prestigious list. Spectrum News spoke with Italian-born, but now Long Beach-based, Chef Guiseppe Musso about why Italian food made the list.
In explaining their decision, UNESCO said Italian cuisine wasn’t selected just for the ingredients. They underscored Italian cooking as a “communal activity” and a “daily practice,” and highlighted how food in Italy is deeply woven into everyday life and integrated into other cultures and countries.
According to the Italian American Museum of Los Angeles, the city is home to the fifth-largest Italian population in the country.
Dining and Cooking