What is Italian sweets "Panettone"? An explanation of its relationship with Christmas, its history, sales status in Japan, and more!

Introduction

Panettone is known worldwide as Italy's leading traditional sweets. Its fluffy texture and the flavor of candied fruit and raisins make it an indispensable item, especially when celebrating Christmas and New Year. In this article, we will explain in detail the origins of Panettone, its manufacturing process, its popularity worldwide, and how to enjoy it.

What is Panettone?

Panettone is a traditional sweet, fermented bread originating from Milan, Italy. It is enjoyed in many regions, including Western Europe, Southern Europe, South America, and North America when celebrating Christmas and New Year. Its distinctive shape has a cylindrical foundation with a rounded dome-shaped top, usually about 12 to 15 cm tall.

The panettone dough is added with candied orange peel, citron, lemon zest and raisins, and mixed in while it is dried. This long-term fermentation process creates a unique soft, fluffy texture.

Also, in some regions, there are chocolate-filled and plain-type variations, and cut panettones are generally served with sweet drinks and dessert wines.

The origin of Panettone

The name Panettone comes from "panetto," which means "small bread." This name has the suffix "-one" that means "large" and means "big bread."

The oldest record was found in 1599 on a Christmas lunch menu at the University of Borromeo in Pavia, Italy, and records the cost of ingredients and manufacturing methods at the time. Also, the 18th century saw the first literature associated with Christmas celebrations as "luxurious bread."

Evolution and spread in the 20th century

In the early 20th century, two bakers from Milan established the technology to mass-produce panettone. In 1919, Angelo Motta launched their own brands, and in 1925, Gioacchino Alemagna launched their own brands, creating a tall, dome-shaped Panettone. This competition has helped to promote the spread of current industrial production.

After World War II, it became a standard Christmas sweet that became available at affordable prices and was a popular Christmas dessert all over Italy. It has also spread to South America through immigration, and has a tradition that is enjoyed in countries such as Argentina and Brazil along with hot cocoa and liqueurs.

Popularity and variations overseas

In South America, panettone is popular as "panetón" in Spanish and "panetone" in Portuguese. In Peru, improved versions have been developed that are suitable for the local climate, with ingenuity such as using candied papaya. The region surpasses Italy's per capita consumption, making it the world's largest consumer of Panettone.

It is also popular in Italian communities in the United States, Canada, Australia and the UK, and multinational companies are expanding their brands. Even in Japanese supermarkets and food stores, you may find panettones lined up at Christmas time.

How to enjoy Panettone

Panettone is generally eaten by cutting into a wedge, and in Italy it is sometimes served with mascarpone cream. This cream is made from a mixture of eggs, mascarpone and sweet liqueur, further enhancing the rich flavor. It is also recommended to enjoy it with sweet sparkling wines "Asti" or "Moscato Dusty."

It can also be purchased in Japan! Recommended Panettone Brands

Even within Japan, you can enjoy Panettone, a traditional Italian Christmas sweet. This time, we will introduce some recommended Panettone brands that can be purchased in Japan.

LOISON
is a long-established Italian confectionery manufacturer founded in 1938, and is characterized by its high-quality ingredients and panettone, which is particular about traditional manufacturing methods. Made with Sicily orange peel and top-class raisins, this product is carefully crafted by skilled craftsmen. It is also sold at online stores in Japan.

COMO
is a Japanese brand that incorporates traditional Italian manufacturing methods, and is attractive because it can be stored for a long time. Our unique manufacturing method allows you to maintain a moist texture and rich flavor for a long time. Available for purchase online.

Kaldi Coffee Farm
, which carries a large selection of imported foods, you can purchase Panettone at an affordable price. We also offer original brand Panettone, which allows you to easily enjoy the authentic taste. Available in stores and online shops.

Seijo Ishii
Panettone is also available at Seijo Ishii, which stocks high-quality foods. Made from carefully selected ingredients, it is characterized by its elegant sweetness and flavor. You can purchase it in stores or online.

PECK:
Peck's Panettone, a luxury grocery store originating in Milan, Italy, is characterized by its traditional flavor. Imported directly from Italy, this is a genuine item with a combination of raisins and orange peels. Available for purchase at Takashimaya online store in Japan.

The Panettones introduced here can be purchased online at each store or online shopping site. Limited products and special packaging often appear during the Christmas season, so it is recommended to check it out early.

summary

Panettone is not just a Christmas sweet, but has become a beloved figure all over the world, beyond its birthplace, Milan. Another appeal of Panettone is that each brand releases a limited edition flavor and flavor that is only available for the year, so you can enjoy it with a fresh feeling every year.

If you're interested, why not try purchasing it?