Gianduja chocolates: The pride of Torino

by Stefania Butler, Posted Feb 14th 2006 @ 2:15PM

Torino or Turin, where the Winter Olympics are currently in full swing, is famous for its cioccolato (chocolate). Chocolate makers in Torino have been practicing this culinary art for centuries. In 1865, however, came the invention of the gianduja (zhan-DOO-yah)– the most famous chocolate of Piedmont—made from chocolate and toasted hazelnuts. In fact, Nicole has already posted that it has been named the official chocolate of the 2006 Winter Olympics.

Some websites claim that gianduja is a Swiss invention, but Torinese chocolatiers would say that it is because the Swiss learned to make it by visiting their city.

According to extra-torino, a Torino guide, "the tradition of gianduja chocolates and giandujotti is as alive as ever—you can hardly count the number of shops that hand make this delicacy—Peyrano, Pfatish, Gobino and many others." Since today is Valentine's Day and the Olympics are happening, why not seek out some gianduja to mark the occassion?

[photo: Livio Bersano]

Filed Under: Stores & Shopping, Did you know?, Ingredients, How To
Tags: chocolate, did you know, gianduja, italy, stores-and-shopping, torino, turin