Gianduiotto facts for kids
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| Type | Chocolate |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | Italy |
| Region or state | Piedmont |
| Main ingredients | Gianduja (sugar, cocoa, hazelnuts) |
The gianduiotto ( Piedmontese: giandojòt) is a special kind of chocolate from Piedmont, a region in northern Italy. These chocolates are shaped like small, smooth blocks, almost like tiny gold bars! Each gianduiotto is wrapped in shiny foil, usually gold or silver.
Contents
What is a Gianduiotto?
Gianduiotti are a famous sweet from the city of Turin. Their name comes from gianduja. This is a special mix of chocolate and hazelnuts. You can find gianduja in other treats too, like Nutella.
Where Does the Name Come From?
The name "Gianduja" comes from a funny character. He is a mask from commedia dell'arte. This was a type of Italian theater. The Gianduja character represents a typical person from Piedmont. His hat even inspired the unique shape of the gianduiotto chocolate!
What are Gianduiotti Made Of?
Gianduiotti are made from a smooth paste. This paste includes sugar, cocoa, and a special type of hazelnut. These hazelnuts are called Tonda Gentile delle Langhe. They grow in the Langhe area of Piedmont.
How Gianduiotti Were Invented
The first gianduiotti were officially made in 1852. This happened in Turin, Italy. Two people, Pierre Paul Caffarel and Michele Prochet, created them. They were the first to grind hazelnuts into a very fine paste. Then, they mixed this paste with cocoa and sugar.
Why Hazelnuts Were Added
The idea of mixing hazelnuts with chocolate started much earlier. It was during the time of Napoleon. Back then, it was hard to get cocoa from South America. This made cocoa very expensive. So, local chocolate makers in Piedmont had a clever idea. They started adding roasted hazelnuts to their chocolate. Hazelnuts grew easily in Piedmont. This made the chocolate more affordable for everyone to enjoy.
See also
In Spanish: Gianduiotto para niños
