From breakfast tables to pastry chefs' kitchens, artisanal spreads are experiencing a resurgence of interest. Faced with industrial products often laden with added sugars and palm oil, consumers are increasingly turning to quality alternatives, made from selected nuts and without additives. Piedmont hazelnut, Sicilian pistachio, almond, Calabrian bergamot: artisanal varieties offer a much richer palette of flavors than the classic commercial jar. Here's how to recognize them, choose them, and make the best use of them.
What is an artisanal spread?
The difference from industrial products
An artisanal spread is primarily distinguished by its ingredient list: short, clear, without palm oil, emulsifiers, or artificial flavors. Where industrial products often contain more sugar than nuts, a quality hazelnut spread boasts a high hazelnut content, sometimes over 50%, and sugar used sparingly. The texture is generally denser, the taste more pronounced and less sweet. It is this concentration of noble raw materials that makes all the difference in taste.
Ingredients to prioritize
To choose a good artisanal spread, the first thing to do is read the label. The nut should be at the top of the ingredient list, indicating that it is the main component of the recipe. The absence of palm oil is also an important criterion: quality vegetable oils or simply the fats naturally present in nuts are preferred. A pistachio spread without palm oil, for example, fully reveals the delicate, slightly sweet taste of pistachio, without mask or artifice. Finally, the origin of the raw materials — PGI Piedmont hazelnuts, Sicilian pistachios, Mediterranean almonds — is a guarantee of traceability and gustatory quality.
The different varieties of artisanal spreads
Piedmont hazelnut spread
Piedmont hazelnuts are considered among the best in the world. Their sweet, slightly roasted flavor makes them the ideal base for an exceptional spread. Cultivated in the Langhe hills of Northern Italy, they benefit from geographical recognition that guarantees their origin and production method. A cocoa hazelnut spread made from Piedmont hazelnuts offers a remarkable balance between the bitterness of cocoa and the roundness of the nut. For lovers of pure flavors, the 100% Piedmont hazelnut paste without added sugar allows you to rediscover the raw and authentic taste of roasted hazelnut.
Pistachio spread
Artisanal pistachio is experiencing growing popularity, driven by the trend of pistachio desserts that has established itself in French patisseries in recent years. A quality pistachio spread is recognized by its natural, not artificial, green color and its bold, slightly salty, and very aromatic taste. Sicilian pistachios, particularly those from Bronte, are highly prized for their aromatic intensity. For pastry professionals or demanding enthusiasts, the 100% pistachio paste offers a pure raw material, ideal for making creams, ganaches, and fillings.
Original varieties: almond and bergamot
Beyond the classic hazelnut and pistachio, other nuts and citrus fruits give rise to equally remarkable artisanal spreads. The almond spread offers a lighter texture and delicate taste, ideal for a balanced breakfast. The 100% almond paste is a versatile base in cooking. Among the most original creations, the bergamot spread, awarded a Gold medal at the Épicures 2024, stands out for its floral and citrus notes characteristic of Calabrian bergamot, a rare citrus fruit almost exclusively grown on the Ionian coast of southern Italy. A unique flavor, both sweet and tangy, that surprises and delights from the first taste.
How to use an artisanal spread in cooking?
For breakfast and snacks
The most common use remains on toast: on lightly grilled country bread, homemade brioche, or cereal crackers, an artisanal spread transforms breakfast into a moment of genuine indulgence. To vary the pleasures, the set of 5 spreads allows you to discover several flavors and alternate them according to your desires. For a snack, a spoonful of hazelnut spread on a slice of bread with some fresh seasonal fruit makes a simple and tasty treat.
In pastry and creative cuisine
Artisanal spreads naturally integrate into many culinary preparations. In pastry, they serve as fillings for tarts, rolls, macarons, or entremets. Pistachio spread, for example, can fill choux pastries or éclairs for an elegant and flavorful result. In savory cooking, a touch of almond spread can enhance a poultry sauce or accompany a cheese board. For an original vinaigrette, a few drops of organic green fruity olive oil combined with a hint of hazelnut paste create a surprising and refined seasoning.
Storage and purchase tips
An artisanal spread should be stored at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. Once opened, it keeps for several weeks without refrigeration, provided the jar is tightly closed after each use. It is not recommended to place it in the refrigerator, as cold solidifies natural fats and alters the creamy texture. To give as a gift or treat yourself, the customizable gift box allows you to combine several artisanal spreads according to your preferences, for a personalized and original gourmet gift.
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