Lombardia is home to some of the oldest and most renowned chocolate makers in Italy, such as Caffè Pasticceria Fumagalli in Varese, Venchi in Milan, and A. Giordano in Novara. These chocolatiers are known for their traditional methods of making chocolate and their use of high-quality ingredients.
In Lombardia, you’ll find a range of chocolate products, from chocolate bars and truffles to hot chocolate and gelato. The chocolate makers here put an emphasis on using locally sourced ingredients, such as hazelnuts, almonds, and pistachios, to add an extra layer of flavor to their chocolate.
One of the most famous chocolate products from Lombardia is gianduiotto. This chocolate is made with ground hazelnuts, cocoa, sugar, and vanilla, and has a smooth and creamy texture. Gianduiotto is shaped like an upturned boat and is often served as a dessert or given as a gift.
Another popular chocolate product from Lombardia is panettone. This bread is typically eaten during Christmas and New Year’s and is filled with raisins, candied fruit, and chocolate chips. The chocolate used in panettone is high-quality and has a rich flavor that complements the other ingredients in the bread.
Lombardia is also known for its hot chocolate, or cioccolata calda. Unlike the thin and watery hot chocolate commonly found in other parts of Europe, Lombardian hot chocolate is thick, creamy, and decadent. It’s made with a high percentage of cocoa and often served with whipped cream or marshmallows.
When it comes to gelato, Lombardia’s chocolate flavors are to die for. Gelato shops in Lombardia often have a range of chocolate flavors, from dark and bitter chocolate to milk chocolate and hazelnut. The chocolate gelato here is creamy, smooth, and rich in flavor, thanks to the high-quality ingredients used by the gelato makers.
In addition to the traditional chocolate products, Lombardia is also home to some unique chocolate creations. Chocolate salame, for example, is a dessert that looks like a salami but is made with chocolate, butter, and cookies. Torrone, a type of nougat, is another sweet treat that often contains chocolate.
If you’re a chocolate lover, Lombardia is the place to be. The chocolate here is made with passion, care, and attention to detail, and the quality is evident in every bite. Whether you’re looking for traditional chocolate products or something more unique, Lombardia has something to offer. So, why not indulge in some chocolatey goodness on your next trip to Lombardia?