The “Marende” is a typical South Tyrolean snack served at around 4 pm.
Traditionally it consists of South Tyrolean speck (bacon), the local speciality bread (Schüttelbrot), air-dried smoked sausage (Kaminwurzen) and alpine cheese. It is usually enjoyed in company with a glass of wine, preferably Vernatsch (Schiava). The Marende has its origins in the time when the farmers enjoyed a hearty snack, chatted and either brought the day to a close in this way or returned to their work in the barns.
The influence of Italian cuisine means that the typical Marende has been enriched by delicious Mediterranean specialities. Nowadays, for instance, a crisp ciabatta roll is often served with South Tyrolean speck, and alpine cheese rubs shoulders with olives, gorgonzola and pickled artichokes.
In terms of variety and inventiveness, South Tyrol’s range of culinary offerings is seemingly limitless.