The Best Taste Of Place | Food Souvenirs

Tip #1: Check the Certifications
Often used in describing wine, the concept of terroir is a celebration of the way a local environment shapes the products that are grown and made in the region. In many countries, especially France, Italy and other members of the European Union, these products are so highly regarded that the ingredients and manufacturing methods are closely regulated under a quality policy, such as the protected designation of origin (PDO) or protected geographical indications (PGI). From Italian Parmigiano-Reggiano to French Beurre de Bresse, these products have designations marked directly on the packaging and are often worth seeking out.
 
Tip #2: Think Small
Grandiose food halls such as the Mercado de San Miguel in Madrid or Rotterdam’s MarktHal can be a very pleasant way to while away an afternoon but thinking smaller may net a more unique find. Check local listings for small farmers’ markets (as a bonus, you’ll often get to speak directly to the producer) or even drop by a grocer or specialty market to see what the residents buy for their own tables. Fine sea salts, preserved products such as high-end anchovies or foie gras, olive oils from nearby trees or vinegars produced from an ancient starter are easily transportable items that reflect locality well.
 
Tip #3: Do Your Research
A little legwork either before you travel or at the point of purchase can save you the heartbreak of buying something you thought was unique when abroad — only to find that it can be easily shipped, obtained online or at the local specialty store. Ask questions on online food boards, or even the crew onboard your jet, and make sure your culinary trophies are truly local. Especially when selecting wine or spirits, having your liquor board’s website handy will ensure that you aren’t wasting resources choosing a bottle available at home.  Be sure to factor exchange rates, customs limits and other considerations into your calculations.
 
Ready to take these tips on the road? Follow along as I map out a mini journey from the artistry of Avignon to the financial hub of Frankfurt, with some must-purchase food souvenirs along the way.

Basel

Proceeding northeast through the larger cities of Lyon or Geneva (or both, depending on your route), a stop in Basel can net you sparkling prizes for both your pantry and wrist. Watch and jewelry cognoscenti descend each year on Switzerland’s third largest city for Baselworld, a massive watch fair that draws brands, journalists and buyers from around the world to peruse lavish multi-storey booths and determine next year’s trends.

Red stone Munster cathedral on the Rhine river, Basel

Another outlet for innovation is the Swiss ingenuity for sweets, and as with the finest of mechanical watches, these traditional handcrafted methods have a pedigreed past. The region abounds with stellar examples from chocolate to a special cookie of the region called Basler Läckerli.

Seasonal treat from the Basel region, Basler Läckerli

This seasonal cookie is derived from a recipe dating back hundreds of years to the area’s brisk spice merchant trade and is still produced the same way today.