In Italy, the trend of making traditional regional Easter desserts at home has been on the rise, according to a survey by Coldiretti/Ixè. Over 43% of families surveyed in Italy said they prepare their own Easter desserts at home. This revival of peasant recipes is reflective of a growing interest in homemade cooking and preserving cultural traditions.
To showcase these traditional specialties, the Campagna Amica market in Rome hosted its first exhibition of local Easter desserts prepared by peasant chefs. The exhibition was a great opportunity for visitors to learn about the unique and traditional Easter desserts from each region in Italy.
While chocolate eggs are still popular among Italians, with 63% of preferences compared to 69% for Colomba, there is a growing trend towards rediscovering and making traditional desserts at home. Each region in Italy has its own unique Easter specialties that reflect the rich culinary history of the country. For example, Val d’Aosta is known for flantze, a flattened rye bread filled with sugar, butter, raisins, almonds, and candied fruit. Piedmont offers salami del Papa, a chocolate salami as well as small loaves to dip in milk or fortified wine. Liguria serves Lenten desserts like canestrelli and mostaccioli while Lombardy features the classic Easter dove and Veneto features fugassa. Friuli Venezia Giulia offers Too lowa and Putizza while Trentino Alto Adige offers an Easter wreath and Fochaz-osterbrot. Emilia presents Bensone while Tuscany serves Pisan Schiacciata and Easter sandwich. Umbria is known for Ciaramicola while Marche offer Easter donuts. Lazio serves sweet pizza and Easter Pigna while Abruzzo offers Horses and dolls Basilicata has Glazed Aviglianese Tarallo Molise’s popular dessert is Pine Cone while Campania’s pastiera quaresimals are famous Sardinia has Pardulas nugoresa Aranzada while Sicily’s scrambled eggs are loved by all regions have their own unique dessert that represents their culture.
Overall, this trend towards making traditional regional dishes at home reflects an appreciation for cultural heritage and an interest in preserving these traditions for future generations.
