Culinary tips

A veritable paradise for cheese lovers. In Airolo, at the foot of the Gotthard, you can try many different types of cheese, all of which have been made with milk from the Ticino Alps. Inquisitive and courageous visitors can even have a go at forming a cheese wheel with their own hands; this will then be sent to their home address directly after maturation.

Gourmets dream of being made privy to the secrets of the patisserie by an expert. Here's their opportunity. It all happens on a visit to the Panetteria Poncini, which has been making delightful confections, including an exquisite panettone, since 1904. The ways in which gateaux, creams and patisserie are made is explained step-by-step, allowing you also to become an expert.

Have you ever considered grinding popcorn until you are left with a fine flour? This isn't pure fantasy, but in fact an old Ticino recipe. In the Onsernone valley, "farina bona" is made from roasted sweet corn. It's an ideal product for those with a sweet tooth and even gives ice-cream an unmistakable flavour.

The Delea company has been making a wide range of wines for over 20 years now - everything from traditional merlot to bubbly spumante. These superb products which have garnered multiple awards can be tasted here - directly in a corner of the mighty cellar vault, between oak barrels.

Zincarlìn is a typical cottage cheese from the Valle di Muggio in the shape of a small cylinder. It is made from cow's milk or a mixture of cow's and goat's milk and seasoned with black pepper. For commercial production, it must firstly undergo a maturation period of two months before it reaches the cheese larder.

The secrets of medicinal herbs are guarded in the sunny Blenio valley. Discover the beneficial effects, the scents and flavours of many Alpine herbs which are cultivated here in harmony with nature. Essential oils, herb teas and many other highly aromatic products from the heart of the Ticino Alps.

The "Mazza", the art of making salami, mortadella and ham is one of oldest gastronomic traditions in the Ticino region. Rapelli products are made to closely-guarded recipes and are characterised by the highest quality. All bon vivants will be able to take typical Ticino flavours home with them.

Ticino's short breads in their traditional S-shape. The short and delicious "pastafrolle" come from the Bedretto valley, where the production secret is guarded jealously. Made only with authentic ingredients and butter from the Ticino Alps, these pastries are a delicacy that one wants to snack on throughout day.