If you want to live a longer and healthier life, the standard advice is to eat well, exercise daily, and surround yourself with positive people. But what if I told you there was a way to combine all of these things into one amazing experience? Enter the Chef’s cycling tour in Sardinia’s ‘Blue Zone’, offered by Italian travel firm Tourissimo. This one-week trip takes you on a cycling and feasting adventure through a mountainous region known for its high concentration of centenarians.
One of the most memorable stories shared during this trip is that of Julio. Julio, who lived to the age of 104, had a simple diet of fresh fruit, hard bread, and Sardinian red wine. He was still cycling daily in his old age. Although Julio is no longer with us, his stories live on and inspire participants of this foodie cycling tour.
The Blue Zone in Sardinia is one of only five such zones in the world where people live longer than average. It was labeled as a Blue Zone by demographer Michel Poulain and physician Gianni Pes in 2004. The region of Ogliastra and Barbagia in the Sardinian province of Nuoro, centered around the village of Villagrande Strisaili, is known for having the highest rate of centenarians in the world, alongside the Japanese island of Okinawa. Other Blue Zones can be found in Costa Rica and the Greek island of Ikaria.
What makes these Blue Zones so fascinating to researchers is not only the long lifespans of the locals but also their overall health and vitality. Take Julio, for example. He remained healthy and active until the end of his life, with no need for glasses and a full set of teeth. Studies have shown that regular cycling can add up to ten years to your life, making this cycling holiday in Sardinia a great way to improve your longevity.
Not only is this trip beneficial for your health, but it also offers incredible culinary experiences. With a dedicated chef, Mary Sue Milliken, on board, participants of the tour are treated to delicious meals using local ingredients. Mary Sue, an American restaurateur and cookbook author, is not only an excellent chef but also an avid cyclist. She even chose to cycle alongside the participants on a road bike instead of using an electric bike. Apart from cooking for the group, Mary Sue also decorated the tables with wildflowers picked from the roadside, adding a touch of beauty to each meal.
Alongside the culinary experiences, participants also have the opportunity to take part in hands-on cooking lessons with local experts. One night, our small group tried our hand at making filendeu, a thin pasta known as the ‘thread of God’. This pasta is a dying art, with only a few Sardinian ‘pasta grannies’ still knowing how to make it. Although my attempts resulted in less-than-perfect strands, it was a fun and educational experience.
Now, let’s talk about the infamous casu marzu, the ‘world’s most dangerous cheese’. This pecorino cheese is banned in the EU because it is riddled with live maggots. The larvae of Piophila casei flies ferment the cheese, breaking down its fats and proteins to create a soft and creamy texture. While the idea of eating maggots may sound unappealing, locals in Sardinia have been eating this cheese for centuries. On this trip, we had the opportunity to try casu marzu in the cobbled courtyard of an 18th-century townhouse. Surprisingly, it was delicious and a testament to the unique dietary choices that contribute to the health and longevity of the Sardinian people.
As we left the courtyard, we were surrounded by Sardinia’s macchia, a scrubland filled with aromatic trees and plants. D. H. Lawrence, an English writer who visited the island in the 1920s, described Sardinia as “brisk and defiant” with a unique culture. Geneticists have since confirmed that Sardinians have distinct genetic traits that set them apart from mainland Italians. Alongside their daily exercise, healthy food, and strong community ties, the island’s ancestors, the Bronze Age Nuragic people, may have also played a role in the longevity of Sardinians.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for an unforgettable adventure that combines cycling, culinary delights, and a chance to explore the secrets of a Blue Zone, Tourissimo’s Chef’s cycling tour in Sardinia is the perfect choice. With the stunning scenery, delicious food, and the opportunity to learn from the locals, this trip is a true feast for the senses. So, join us on this journey and let the magic of Sardinia’s Blue Zone inspire you to live a longer and healthier life.
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