The sweet Italian back-to-school season: more than a tradition, a way of life
In September, Italian cooking is often associated with the olive harvest and sun-ripened vegetables. Yet the start of the school year is also a key time for sweet pleasures. From family breakfast to the merenda after school, tradition calls for simple, authentic treats on the table: homemade jams, nut spreads, or artisan biscuits. This return to indulgence marks the end of summer and the beginning of a new season, where every region of Italy brings its own signature.
You can mix things up with a pistachio spread, a Piedmont hazelnut spread or a bergamot preserve, on a slice of bread or a brioche. To go further, the set of five spreads lets you put together a varied, colourful snack table, ideal for a good start to the season.
Italian-style snack and breakfast: rituals and exceptional products
The essentials of the Italian afternoon snack
- Artisan spreads: pistachio, hazelnut, cocoa-hazelnut, almond.
- Jams and compotes: fig, apricot, bergamot.
- Traditional dry biscuits: amaretti, biscotti, crostate.
- Fresh bread or brioche to go with them.
At home, the afternoon snack is never improvised. In Calabria as in Piedmont, the new season is a chance to discover, or rediscover, flavours that bring back childhood. The almond spread lifts a simple slice of bread, while the Piedmont cocoa hazelnut spread is a hit with the youngest.
The Italian breakfast, revisited
In September, families go for artisan and local products. The morning table often features lightly toasted bread, a choice of spreads and a seasonal jam. For a back-to-school brunch, think about adding a 100% Piedmont hazelnut butter, 1 kg for large tables, or giving a sweet gift set to mark the change of season.
Sweet trends for the new season: between tradition and creativity
New things to try
- Bergamot spread, winner of an Épicures d'Or 2024 award, for an original touch.
- Build-your-own gourmet gift sets, perfect to give or to share with family.
- Sweet-and-savoury toasts, pairing a spread with fresh cheese, or jam with walnut bread.
Southern Italy, and Calabria in particular, celebrates bergamot in every form. The bergamot spread stands out for its unique freshness, recognised by an Épicures d'Or 2024 award, which you will not find anywhere else. For a change, try the bergamot preserve on a focaccia or in plain yoghurt.
To go further: giving or personalising
The new season is also a good moment to treat someone. Gift sets, the gift card or the terracotta gift bag let you offer a real moment of indulgence, at home or at the office. For a corporate project or a special occasion, explore the personalisation section to create a bespoke selection.
Frequently asked questions about the sweet Italian back-to-school season
Which artisan spread should you choose for the new season?
Go for a pistachio, Piedmont hazelnut or bergamot spread, depending on your taste and the occasion, favouring recipes without palm oil.
What are the must-haves of the Italian afternoon snack in September?
Nut spreads, artisan jams and dry biscuits are the stars of the back-to-school snack.
How do you give a personalised gourmet gift set for the new season?
Put together a set with several spreads, add a seasonal jam and personalise it all with a gift bag or a message on the gift card.
lucangeli.it
