Do Italians Eat Panettone or Is It Mainly Just for Export?
While panettone has gained widespread popularity worldwide and is often exported, it remains a beloved traditional dessert within Italy. This fluffy and sweet holiday cake is a favorite during Christmas and New Year celebrations, enjoyed by both families and companies in Italy.
Popular in Italy: Panettone and Pandoro
During the holiday season, Italian supermarkets offer a massive range of Panettone varieties. From simple chocolate chips to fancy flavors like pistachio, customers can choose from numerous options. The traditional recipe includes candied fruits, but many people prefer Panettone without them, savoring the sugary coating on top.
Another celebrated Italian holiday dessert is Pandoro, which is particularly favored by children due to its absence of candied fruits. In its original form, Pandoro is plain, but it is also available in filled versions at supermarkets. The Christmas basket tradition further cements the importance of these sweets, often featuring Panettone or Pandoro alongside other treats and a bottle of wine.
The consumption of Panettone and Pandoro in Italy extends well beyond the holiday season, with families and individuals enjoying these treats from around December 24th until January 6th. Many regions, especially Verona, Sicily, and Piedmont, maintain centuries-old artisanal traditions of producing these sweets. However, depending on one's location, it is common to purchase these desserts from industrial giants in supermarkets.
A Global Phenomenon
Not limited to just Italy, these holiday treats are also cherished by the Italian diaspora abroad. Italian importers, as well as famous supermarket brands, sell Panettone and Pandoro in foreign countries. Local Italian bakeries that have opened in other nations also cater to the demand of Italians living abroad. Social media platforms like Facebook are filled with posts of these delicacies enjoyed by Italians living far from home.
Conclusion
To sum up, while Panettone is exported to the rest of the world, it remains an integral part of Italian culture and daily life. Its popularity is not just during the festive season but also year-round, thanks to the dedication of traditional producers and the enduring love for these iconic desserts.