The foods of the Veneto are rather surprising. When one thinks of the northeastern Italian region, Venice is usually the first place to spring to mind, then consequently, seafood. Yet there's plenty of inland bounty to go around as well. Here are seven essential foods of the Veneto.

1. Fagioli di Lamon

This borlotto bean grows on the plateaus of Lamon and Sovramonte in the Belluno area, which is about 100 km (62 miles) north of Venice. IGP-protected, the bean comes in four varieties: Spanish, Calonega, Canalino, and Spagnolit. The latter is the most common. Its exceptionally thin skin makes it excellent for soups and salads.