In the sixteenth century, chocolate was brought to Italy. The spread of this sweetness began with Sicily. During this period, it was under the protectorate of Spain (this country was the first to deliver cocoa beans to Europe). The first Italian city to start processing these grains was Modica. And now it is famous for handmade Italian chocolate, created according to old recipes.
Soon they learned about a new sweetness in Northern Italy. There is even official evidence in the history of the conquest of Turin by chocolate: the transfer of the capital of the Duchy of Savoy from Chambery to Turin was marked by a ritual cup of hot chocolate. This event occurred in 1560.
All the time, Spanish confectioners kept secret the features of the preparation of chocolate. But in 1606, the famous traveler Francesco Carletti managed to find out a secret recipe. Such an event made a splash in his homeland. It is from this day that the countdown of the history of Italian chocolate began.
Significant dates
Let's look at the events that were significant in the history of this sweetness.
The first Italian chocolate production license was issued in 1678. This was done by the Queen of Savoy. This honor was awarded to Antonio Arri. This person is considered the first chocolatier in Turin. The inhabitants of the city did not just idolize this sweet, they created their own national recipe. The drink was called "bicerin." It was a mixture of coffee, hot chocolate and fresh cream.
In 1806, the “forced” invention of Italian hazelnut chocolate occurred. When the supply of cocoa beans was suspended by Napoleon’s order, the local confectioners had no choice but to add hazelnuts to chocolate. They did this to preserve stocks. Their forced experience was a success. After that, a new Italian chocolate with nuts appeared.
In 1860, a local pastry chef made a discovery. He randomly created skimmed cocoa powder. How did this happen? The confectioner collected the remains of crushed cocoa beans in a bag. The latter absorbed almost all of their oil. As a result, fat-free cocoa powder appeared.
Five years later, the first Italian wrapped chocolate was created. Invented by her master Kaferel Prochit. Then the chocolate had the shape of a wedge. After which she became a symbol of chocolate from this country.
What is happening now?
And today, Italy retains a love of chocolate. To make sure of this, it is worth attending the festival of this sweetness in the country. It takes place annually in October in the city of Perugia. Many tourists do not notice how they eat a kilogram of Italian chocolate at this holiday. As a result, all guests sweep away about six tons of various sweets.
In the same city is the largest chocolate factory in Italy. She at the festival provides many different options for sweets. At the festival, everything is literally in chocolate. At the festival you can see candles, shoes, spaghetti and even bolts. Such products are made of handmade chocolate and attract tourists from different countries.
The capital of this sweet in Italy is Turin. The city has factories of world famous brands such as Kaffarel, Ferrero and Strello. Also here is not forgotten the old handicraft production of chocolate. Locals honor and support the tradition of creating this type of sweets. Also, they do not stop in development, they are always ready to learn new things.
Famous chocolate brands in the country
Let's get acquainted with the famous brands of Italian chocolate. One of these is Perugina. This is the oldest brand. Chocolate Ferrero is known to many. This is a world-class brand. The manufacturer produces the popular Nutella chocolate paste.
Another famous brand is Modica. Often the products of this company (for example, a kilogram bar of chocolate) are bought as a souvenir to relatives and friends.
Venchi brand produces exclusive handmade chocolate in Italy. Another famous brand is Amedei Tuscany. This company honors old traditions and learns new ones. It was founded in 1990. It produces a wide variety of sweets: pasta, chocolate bars and candy bars.
Little conclusion
Now you know why Italian chocolate is so popular, what are some interesting facts related to its history. In addition, the popular brands of this sweet were named in the article. Italian-made chocolate is rightfully considered one of the best in the world.