If you’ve read any of our Italian cuisine vocabulary write ups before, you’ll realize that there’s no end to the things that you can learn about Italian cooking. Whether it be names for different seasonings, cooking styles or dishes themselves, there are plenty of different words to describe the delicacies of this country. There are certain types of Italian food that are famous for their creation in Italy, and bistecca is one of the more popular examples. If you’re looking to learn more about this Italian staple, read on to learn all about bistecca!
Origins
As you may have guessed, bistecca hails from Italy! The full name of bistecca is derived from its city of origin, which is Florentine. Bistecca’s full name is bistecca al fiorentina to pay homage to the city. While the exact date of bistecca’s creation is unknown, there are recorded uses of it that date all the way back to the 1500s! The first recorded use of bistecca comes from the House of Medici, a political dynasty and high-status banking family. From there, bistecca evolved into production and use in many parts of the world.
What Cut Is It?
The cut of meat that bistecca is isn’t as easily defined as you might think. First of all, in order to be considered bistecca, the cut of meat must come from a chianina calf. Chianina is a breed of Italian cow that is widely considered to be one of the oldest cattle breeds in the world. The next step is where on the cow’s body bistecca comes from. It’s taken from the sirloin cut of the calf, which is a part of the meat about halfway down a cow’s spine. The first result is a T-bone steak with filet and sirloin on the respective sides of the T.
Health Benefits
Many of the same health benefits that you can get from daily consumption of meat also apply to a cut of bistecca. Bistecca is good for muscle development, as the main nutrient present in the dish is protein. It also helps to prevent problems such as iron deficiency, cognitive decline, heart disease, and asthma among other afflictions. If you’re looking for a healthy cut of meat that tastes great, bistecca will be up your alley!
Bistecca at Trattoria Il Panino
What better way to experience a famed Italian delicacy than by eating it at one of the best Italian restaurants in the North End? Trattoria Il Panino brings the authentic Italian experience right to the heart of Boston’s most famous district. There’s a reason why we’re considered one of the best spots to eat in the North End; make a reservation today and see for yourself!