Florence Cuisine
The food of Florence is based more on peasant eating rather than expensive cooking. Most of foods are based on meat. The whole animal was usually eaten. They are still sold at the food carts in the city. They are often served with melon when it is in season. Tuscan bread has no salt or butter. It is used often in Florentine meals. It is very common in the local soups, 'ribollita' and 'pappa al pomodoro', Both soups are usually served with local olive oil. The bread is also used in the salad of bread and fresh vegetables called 'panzanella' that is served in summer. The most famous main course is the 'bistecca alla fiorentina'. It is a huge steak of Chianina beef that is cooked over hot charcoal.