Italy can be divided into four culinary regions: Northern Italy, Central Italy, Southern Italy, and Sicily. Then, when dealing with Italian American cuisine we have a few more groups: Boston, NY/NJ, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Chicago. The differences are sometimes subtile, but when you're going for authenticity it's the little things that matter. Also, herbs and spices, by the ounce, are the most expensive things in the supermarket. Herbs and spices do not last forever in your pantry, but, you can buy our blends at a fraction of the cost of keeping all that "stuff" in your pantry.