The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has added Italian cuisine to its list of intangible cultural heritage. Italy has become the first country to receive recognition for its cuisine as a whole, rather than for a single tradition or recipe.
As noted, Italy is the first country to receive such recognition. UNESCO’s decision officially means that all of Italian cuisine – from pasta and mozzarella to wine and tiramisu – will be inscribed on the list of intangible cultural heritage.
Italy already has 21 other traditions on the list, including the art of making Neapolitan pizza. It is now the first country to receive recognition for its entire cuisine, rather than for a single tradition or dish.