Of the many factors that lead to the creation of delicious Italian food, one of the most important is fresh ingredients. When you visit a reputable Italian restaurant like Emilio's of Morris Park, you can rest assured the kitchen only uses the freshest produce, spices, and ingredients. In the Bronx, NY, this center of Italian cuisine has earned a reputation for delectable, authentic dishes. Whether you’re fond of pizza or pasta, you’ll never walk out of this restaurant having enjoyed anything short of a memorable meal. 

Here’s a rundown of how freshness impacts three of Italian food’s most important ingredients:

• Garlic: Just a hint of garlic has the power to accentuate a taste profile and make it an Italian classic. But the garlic must be fresh—if it sits for too long, it can grow sprouts, distorting the taste. Pre-minced garlic tastes less potent than fresh; top Italian restaurants always do their own mincing to ensure maximum flavor. 
• Tomato: This red fruit is a quintessential Italian ingredient, and its quality can make or break a meal. When a tomato is refrigerated for too long, it can whiten, losing flavor and juice. On the other hand, if a tomato sits outside of the fridge for an extended period, it can lose firmness and become squishy. A fresh tomato escapes both of these issues, delivering vibrant flavor to spaghetti, chicken parmigiana, and a number of other classics. 
• Basil: As the final touch to many celebrated meals, the green leaves of basil are omnipresent in the world of Italian food. When it’s not fresh, basil becomes wilted and slimy, disrupting a good bite instead of accentuating the taste. Old basil will not only fail to bring out the other flavors in a meal, but it may even destroy an appetite by way of its unappetizing image. 

The next time you’re craving Italian food, head over to Emilio's of Morris Park. You can learn more about the restaurant’s ingredients by calling (718) 822-6758. Browse the menu by visiting the restaurant’s website and download their app by texting “EMILIOS” to 33733 for easy ordering.