rafano

Although it's been around since ancient times, horseradish is a little scary for most Italians. You're most likely to see it near the Alps (it's called barbaforte in some places, and cren in the Veneto), and especially in the Basilicata, where they're not scared of anything, especially in ferratelli al rafano (pasta in horserasish tomato sauce).

Rafanata is a popular treat at carnival time there, a sort of soufflé made with horseradish, cheese and salame.