Granai della Memoria

Antonia Chialà was born on 4th December 1964 in Fasano, Apulia, and she has been interviewed for the Granaries of Memory in 2012.

During this interview she lets her childhood memories emerge, narrating all the traditions of her family and her town, going from typical meals to agricolture secrets and rites.

In the first part she focuses on the tomato-growing techniques and ceremonies, across the four seasons, from the planting to the conservation, going through the harvest. She also talks about the secrets of traditional farming, in particular of legumes, and the habits of her family and her town, focusing on the importance of conviviality and hospitality, fundamental on Apulia’s culture. Antonia Chialà narrates also about the culinary lore and the recipes prepared by her mother, and than by herself, during Christmas (Pettole) and during Easter (egg Taralli). Bread and wine are also well and deeply described by Mrs Chialà as something magic and holy, at the bottom of her family’s cuisine.

At the end of the interview she explains how her love for farming was born and how important is in her life.