As one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Mediterranean, Corsica boasts an array of delicious delicacies for visitors to enjoy. From fresh seafood to locally produced wines and cheeses, there is something for everyone to savor on this beautiful island. Here are 10 of the best Corsica delicacies that you must try during your visit!
The fabulous scenery and delicious food of Corsica are best experienced when you’re well-rested. Make sure to stay in one of the recommended hotels on Corsica island before indulging in all the delicious food Corsica has to offer. From stunning mountain views to sandy beaches, Corsica is the perfect destination for a vacation. With so many things to see and do, you’ll definitely want to stay for a while!
1. Brocciu
One of the most popular dishes on the island is brocciu, a type of cheese made from sheep’s milk. Brocciu is often used in savory dishes such as omelets and pasta sauces. It can also be used in sweet desserts, such as the traditional chestnut cake.
Corsica’s climate and terrain are ideal for sheep grazing, which contributes to the high quality of the cheese. The island’s dense forests also provide a perfect habitat for the wild mushrooms that are often used as a topping for brocciu dishes. Thanks to its unique ingredients and flavor, brocciu has become one of Corsica’s most beloved delicacies.
2. Figatellu
Figatellu is one of the most iconic dishes in Corsica. It is a type of sausage that is made with pork liver and grilled. The dish has a strong flavor and is often served as an appetizer.
It is also a popular addition to many traditional Corsican dishes such as stews and soups. Figatellu is typically made from Corsican pigs which are known for their high-quality meat. The dish is prepared by curing the pork liver in salt and spices before it is grilled over an open fire.
This gives the sausage a unique smoky flavor. Figatellu is usually served with boiled potatoes and a simple green salad. It can also be enjoyed with a glass of red wine.
3. Coppa
One of the island’s most famous dishes is coppa, a cured pork product that is similar to ham. Coppa is made from the pork shoulder or neck, and it is seasoned with garlic, rosemary, fennel seed, and black peppercorn. The meat is then dry-cured for several months before it is sliced thin and served as an appetizer or main course.
Corsica’s unique climate and geography make it the perfect place to produce this delicacy. The hot summers help to preserve the meat, while the cool winters allow the fat to slowly render down, resulting in flavorful and tender coppa. If you are looking for an authentic French dining experience, be sure to try coppa on your next visit to Corsica.
4. Lonzu
Lonzu is a Corsican delicacy made from cured pork loin. The meat is dry-cured with salt, pepper, and other spices, then aged for several months. Lonzu has a deep red color and a rich, slightly gamey flavor.
It is often served thinly sliced and drizzled with olive oil, lemon juice, or balsamic vinegar. Lonzu is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from simple antipasti to hearty stews. It is also an essential component of the Corsican dish known as figatelli, which is made with grilled lonzu, onions, and fresh figs.
Whether you’re enjoying it on its own or using it as a key ingredient in your favorite recipes, lonzu is sure to add a touch of Mediterranean flavor to your meal.
5. Basturma
Basturma is a delicacy that is native to the island of Corsica. It is made from cured beef that is thinly sliced and then seasoned with a variety of spices. The beef is then left to dry for a period of time, which gives it a unique flavor and texture.
Basturma is often eaten as an appetizer or as a main course, and it pairs well with a variety of wines. Corsica is also home to another delicious food: figatelli. Figatelli is a type of sausage that is made from pork liver and seasoned with fennel and other spices.
Figatelli is typically grilled or fried, and they make an excellent addition to any meal. If you’re looking for something truly unique, be sure to try Corsica’s delicacies.
6. Casu marzu
Casu marzu is a traditional cheese from the island of Corsica. It is made from sheep’s milk and is unique in that it contains live maggots. The maggots are introduced intentionally, as they help to break down the cheese’s fats and give it a distinctive, pungent flavor. While casu marzu may not be to everyone’s taste, it is considered a delicacy on Corsica and is often served with bread and wine. If you’re feeling adventurous, why not give it a try?
7. Pecorino Sardo
Pecorino Sardo is a delicious sheep’s milk cheese from the island of Corsica. The cheese has a firm texture and a nutty, grassy flavor that is perfect for grating over pasta or salads. Pecorino Sardo is also an excellent melting cheese, making it ideal for pizzas and gratins.
Corsica’s climate and terrain are well-suited for sheep husbandry, and the cheese has been made on the island for centuries. In recent years, Pecorino Sardo has become increasingly popular outside of Corsica, and it is now widely available in specialty cheese shops. When choosing a Pecorino Sardo, look for a wheel with a smooth, yellowish-brown rind.
The cheese should be firm to the touch and have a pleasant, slightly sheepy aroma. Pecorino Sardo is best enjoyed at room temperature, so be sure to take it out of the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before serving.
8. Capocollo
Capocollo is a traditional Corsican delicacy that is made from pork shoulder. The meat is cured with salt and spices, then air-dried for several months. The resulting product is a unique and intensely flavorful cured meat that is often served thinly sliced as an appetizer.
Capocollo is an important part of Corsican cuisine, and its production is tightly regulated by the Corsican government. In order to be labeled as true Capocollo di Corsica, the meat must come from pigs that are raised on the island of Corsica. As a result, Capocollo di Corsica is truly a local delicacy. If you are lucky enough to try it, you will not be disappointed.
9. Pancetta
Pancetta is a delicacy from Corsica that is made from pork belly that is cured and then rolled into a log. The meat is then aged for a minimum of six months, and the resulting product is a delicious, mildly salty ham that can be sliced and eaten on its own or used as an ingredient in other dishes. Pancetta is an essential component of many Corsican dishes, and it is also popular in other parts of France.
10. Salami Nustrale Corsu
Corsica is well-known for its delicious food, and the salami Nustrale Corsu is one of the island’s most famous delicacies. Made from a combination of pork, beef, and lamb, this salami is flavored with garlic, rosemary, and other spices before being left to mature for several months. The result is a rich and flavourful sausage that pairs perfectly with a glass of red wine. If you’re looking for a truly authentic Corsican experience, be sure to try the salami Nustrale Corsu on your next visit to the island.
In conclusion
Corsica is a food lover’s paradise, with a wide variety of delicious delicacies to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for fresh seafood, locally produced wines, cheeses, or traditional cured meats, you’ll find it all on this beautiful Mediterranean island. So next time you’re planning a trip to Corsica, be sure to try some of these local specialties – you won’t be disappointed!
