Italian bread made without salt is known as "pane sciocco" in Italian. There are several historical and cultural reasons for the tradition of making unsalted bread in certain regions of Italy:
Taxation: Historically, during the Kingdom of Naples, a tax was imposed on salt, making it expensive and sometimes even scarce. As a result, people started making bread without salt to avoid the additional cost.
Geographical and Economic Factors: Some regions in Italy, especially in the southern parts of the country, may have had limited access to salt due to their geographical location or economic conditions. In these areas, bread was made without salt because it was more economical and practical.
Culinary Tradition: Over time, unsalted bread became part of the culinary tradition in certain regions of Italy, and people developed a taste for this specific type of bread. It became an essential component of local dishes and complemented other flavorful ingredients used in Italian cuisine.
Preservation: In some cases, unsalted bread could have better preservation properties compared to salted bread. It might dry out more slowly and remain edible for a longer period.
It's important to note that while pane sciocco is a traditional style of bread in certain regions, not all Italian bread is made without salt. Different areas and recipes may use varying amounts of salt, and today, with easy access to salt, many Italian bread recipes include this ingredient. The choice to make unsalted bread is often a matter of local tradition and personal preference.