Fecund Fascination

"The Filthy, Fecund Secret of Emilia-Romagna", is an article by Patrick Symmes, that discusses the culinary aspect of the Po Valley town of Emilia-Romagna from an atypical point of view. What is the filthy, fecund secret Symmes is referring to? It's the soil of the Po Valley, "It's Italy's unsung region, yet its food has conquered the world - or at least the table. Think prosciutto di Parma, Parmesan, porcini, and half of all pastas known to man (just for starters). The source of its power? Po Valley dirt - fine, dense, almost chocolately, accumulated over millennia". He then goes on to explain the importance of the dirt in the context of this piece, basically explaining to the reader in the simplest of terms, why this article and its subject, dirt, are important; "This stuff - mere dirt- is the building block or the wealth, strife and food of the Po Valley, the great plain at the heart of Italian agriculture".

He uses inviting language, the result is that the piece becomes very interactive with the reader, using a casual approach that makes the reader feel comfortable with the material not overwhelmed or embarrassed for not knowing. He makes several great comparisons that again play to that interactivity with the reader, making the material relatable and accessible. He also informs the reader of things that are not common, providing a perspective on things that are a bit out of the ordinary, teaching the reader something new. In addition to comparisons and insightful observations he also uses some historical background for support and further education for the current perspective.

He does all of this though while still using accessible language and includes personable and personal details, mixing the use of history with wonderfully descriptive, but not snobby, language. The conclusion is a good example of the type of writing that characterizes the rest of the piece as it is sweetly poignant, it sums up the sweet, laid-back attitude of Emilia-Romagna that he has highlighted throughout the piece both in his descriptions and his writing style that mimics the nature of the town.