Despite seafood being an important part of the Mediterranean diet, rich in the very healthy Omega-3 fatty acids, Americans tend to shy away from fresh seafood. The central market in Florence houses some of the freshest and least expensive seafood in the area, yet most American students find fish intimidating. The summer Mediterranean Diet and Your Health class of 2015 addressed the problem head on and tail off. The class had a rare opportunity to work with the master chef at In Tavola, to learn how to prepare Mediterranean sea bass, from start to finish. The very best part of a hands-on cooking class in Florence is enjoying the results. While seafood may not yet be a favorite dish, the fear is gone, the students rose to the challenge and the delicious meal will always be remembered.

Jane Kerstetter, PhD
UConn Professor, Allied Health Sciences, Associate Professor, Nutritional Sciences