Why choose an Italian hazelnut butter in September?
The new season brings back the pleasure of good food and the urge to cook simple but refined recipes. Italian hazelnut butter, made from hazelnuts grown in Piedmont or other renowned areas, brings an authentic touch to your cooking. In September the hazelnuts are freshly harvested, which guarantees an intense flavour and a smooth texture. If you prefer an artisan product, go for a butter made of 100% hazelnuts, with no added sugar or palm oil, so you get the full character of the nut.
Find out too how Italian hazelnut butter fits perfectly into gourmet gift sets for the new season, which you can put together as you like with the gift set you compose yourself.
What to look for when choosing your Italian hazelnut butter
1. The origin: go for Piedmont and recognised growing areas
The words "Piedmont hazelnut PGI" are a guarantee of authenticity. This region enjoys a unique climate and a unique body of know-how. Check the origin carefully on the label to avoid blends of different origins that dilute the quality.
2. The ingredients: purity above all
A true Italian hazelnut butter contains nothing but hazelnuts. Avoid products with added vegetable oils or sugars. The 100 per cent Piedmont hazelnut butter is a benchmark example for demanding food lovers.
3. Texture and freshness
Freshness is essential: an artisan hazelnut butter has a smooth texture and a clean aroma. Check the best-before date so you get all the aromas. For professional or family use, the 1 kg format keeps well as long as you close the jar properly after each use.
For more tips on choosing artisan products, explore the Italian fine food selection aimed at home cooks and professionals alike.
Using Italian hazelnut butter: seasonal ideas and tips
On toast, for breakfast or an indulgent afternoon snack
Spread the hazelnut butter on a slice of country bread or a homemade brioche. Add a few slices of fresh fig or a touch of jam for a seasonal note.
In baking, to lift your autumn desserts
Work the hazelnut butter into your cake batter, your pastry cream or your chocolate fondant. It is a good replacement for butter in some recipes, while adding a delicately toasted flavour.
In original savoury recipes
Give a vinaigrette a twist by mixing hazelnut butter, Gold collection Modena PGI balsamic vinegar and a ripe fruity olive oil. Try hazelnut butter to thicken a sauce, too, or to serve alongside a fresh cheese.
List: 4 must-try uses in September
- Spread on wholemeal bread with fresh seasonal fruit.
- Stirred into a crepe or pancake batter for an Italian brunch.
- Mixed into plain yoghurt with a few toasted hazelnut pieces.
- Added to a sauce to go with roasted vegetables or goat's cheese.
For a change, discover the Piedmont hazelnut spread too, with its richer texture.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between hazelnut butter and a hazelnut spread?
Hazelnut butter contains nothing but ground hazelnuts, whereas a spread often contains sugar, cocoa or added oils. The first is ideal for cooking, the second for an afternoon treat.
How do you store an artisan hazelnut butter?
Keep it away from light in a cool place, tightly closed. Stir it before each use to even out the texture.
Can you use hazelnut butter in savoury recipes?
Yes, it lifts a vinaigrette or a sauce and works well with cheeses. Be bold and stir it into a vegetable purée or a seasonal soup for extra smoothness.
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