All Things Easter
What items are traditionally included in an Italian Easter celebration?
The Italian Easter tradition centers on symbolic items like the dove-shaped Colomba cake and chocolate eggs, alongside ingredients for homemade grain pies. These specialties prioritize regional staples like candied citrus, sheep's milk ricotta, and slow-leavened doughs. Sourcing these items ensures the holiday table reflects the specific textures and scents found in Italy during springtime.
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The Essentials of a Pasqua Table
Preparing an Italian Easter table requires a mix of ready-to-serve items and raw ingredients. The Baci Perugina milk and dark chocolate eggs provide a foundational sweetness. These eggs feature a thick, tempered shell that provides a distinct snap when broken. Inside, the scent of roasted hazelnuts and smooth cocoa is prominent. For the best result, store these in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent the chocolate from blooming or losing its gloss.
The Colomba bread is the centerpiece of the dessert course. Recognized by its light, airy crumb and a stiff glaze of sugar and whole almonds, our 2026 selection of artisanal Colomba cakes are arriving shortly. Before serving, we suggest placing the Colomba near a gentle heat source, such as a warm oven or radiator, for ten minutes. This softens the natural butter in the dough and releases the aroma of the candied orange peels tucked inside.
For those making a Pastiera Napoletana, the quality of the grain is the most important factor. The cooked wheat (grano cotto) must be rinsed and then simmered with milk and zest until it reaches a creamy consistency. When combined with fresh ricotta and orange blossom water, it creates a dense, floral tart that defines the season. Ensure your candied citron is chopped finely to distribute the citrus oils evenly throughout the filling.
| Item | Texture | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Artisanal Colomba Pasquale | Soft, aerated crumb | Coming Soon |
| Perugina Dark Egg | Snap-firm tempered shell | In Stock |
| Grano Cotto (Cooked Wheat) | Tender, creamy grain | In Stock |
How should I store these items until Easter Sunday?
Chocolate eggs and sealed bags of cooked wheat are shelf-stable and should be kept in a cool pantry. The Colomba bread is naturally preserved by its sourdough starter and sugar content, but it should remain in its original cellophane wrap until the day of the meal to prevent the bread from drying out.
Are the cakes and chocolates made with traditional methods?
The Colomba cakes from producers like Tre Marie use a multi-day fermentation process with a natural mother yeast. The chocolates from Perugina continue to use the same hazelnut paste and cocoa recipes established in Perugia over a century ago.
