Italian chocolate how it started...

Italian chocolate started way back in 1559 is when Piedmont Italy imported raw materials and created a drink we all love in winter our hot chocolate topped with fresh cream. During the Savoy dynasty Madama Reale Marie Jeanne Baptiste of Savoy-Nemours approve chocolate to be use in recipes which brought about our famous gianduitto (chocolate with hazelnut) by today modern day invention we liken it to Nutella. Then there was the bicerin another favorite Italian chocolate drink of Piedmontese made from chocolate, milk and coffee. You can order this in many of Piedmont Italy cafe's.

Italian chocolate making is an art passed down from generation. The chocolate-makers are called 'cicolate'. Recipes of each shops specialties are kept secret even from their staffs. In Turin today and all round Piedmont Italy you can still find these famous 'cicolate' families producing very much the same quality Italian chocolate delights with modern twists to them. Nutella is one modern twist which was derived from pasta gianduja before being commercialized worldwide, the same can be said of Ferrero chocolates.

Some scientific facts conducted on 8000 Harvard graduates indicated that chocaholics lived longer than those who don't consume chocolates. This could be attributed to the high content of polyphenol found in chocolates. Polyphenols reduce the oxidation of low density lipoproteins and thereby protect against heart disease.

 

TURIN CIOCOLATOR FAIR

Every year without fail come March Turin celebrates Ciocolato in the center of Turin Piazza Vittorio Veneto. It usually last for about a week where every big name Chocolate manufacturer setup stalls and showcase their offerings for sale. These days chocalatiers from all over Italy participate so it is not reserved only for Piedmont Italy manufacturers. An estimated 700,000 plus people visit this fair. Family are out in force because there are many other children attractions in this fair. The entire Piazza Vittorio Veneto is transformed. If you happen to be in Turin, you should not miss this event!

 

TURIN CHOCOPASS

For those who love chocolates you must get yourself a Chocopass when you tour Turin. This is your passport to sample Italian chocolate along your tour routes in Turin. For €12 a Pass for adult you can use it for 2 days. Inside are vouchers for free samples as you visit the different Ciocolato maker shops. Only the ancient Ciocolators are included in this Pass. Try Gianduiotti exclusive mix of cocoa and hazelnuts a tradition of Piedmont Italy for over 130 years. Pralines, hot chocolates and Italian cakes. In total there are 22 Passes you can use at the various cafe's. Included you will enjoy special discounts on selected Italian chocolate delights too.

ChocoPasses can be bought at all Torino Tourist Information Centre or at the airport when you arrive.

Here are a list of participating cafe for Torino ChocoPass you can preview.

 

STUDY IN THE JOURNAL OF COSMETIC DERMATOLOGY

Finds that eating antioxidant-rich dark chocolate can increase your skin's natural UV protection "The higher the percentage of cacao, the more antioxidants you are getting" says Joe Vinson, PhD, a chemistry professor at the University of Scranton who has led previous chocolate studies.

 

CHOCOLATE GIFTS

Shop online for your chocolate gifts. Convenience at your finger-tips. Wide selection to pick from.

No time to rush out to buy someone a sweet gift? Order online from Chocolate.com. Delivered on time anywhere in the world! Decadent Chocolate Truffles And Delightful Chocolate Treats.

 

For Quick and Easy Guide use Amazing North Italy sitemap to find information

 

 

 

 

 

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