Modica chocolate , to arouse curiosity are many aspects: where to find it online, how to eat it, what are its tastes , ingredients , characteristics and, obviously, its price .
Cioccolato di Modica PGI is a product obtained from the processing of bitter cocoa paste with sugar: it is produced in a limited area, the Sicilian city of Modica, in the province of Ragusa. Let's find out more.
The history of Modica chocolate
Modica chocolate has very ancient origins, it even comes from the Aztecs . Among these, this food played a fundamental role. Over time they learned to toast and grind the seeds obtaining a dense and nutritious compound to which they used to combine various aromas. To preserve it, they gave life to cakes thickened with corn and water. The link with Sicily was represented by the Spaniards who, around 1519, imported the first cocoa beans and the related customs. It was the Spanish domination in Sicily, in essence, that brought chocolate to the "County of Modica". We already know the rest.
Ingredients and characteristics of Modica chocolate
Modica chocolate is a particular product: it has a granular consistency due to the sugar crystals present inside. On the palate it is sweet but with a bitter note. The perceived sensation mirrors that of its appearance, i.e. friability. Its structure is pleasantly crunchy. The ingredients of Modica chocolate are bitter cocoa paste and sugar. Depending on the flavourings, various spices and aromas may be present. Among its properties , there would be that of promoting cardiovascular activity thanks to the cold processing of cocoa, which thus maintains its beneficial properties.
How Modica chocolate is made, the recipe
But how is Modica chocolate made ? Its processing takes place almost cold , the temperature does not exceed 35/40 °. Thanks to this factor, the organoleptic characteristics of the product remain unchanged. This does not happen in any other chocolate, which is why the one from Modica is one of a kind and so much appreciated in the world.
Modica chocolate, all flavours
Impossible to list all the flavors of Modica chocolate . Among the most common, however, there are cinnamon , salt, vanilla, dried fruit such as pistachios, almonds and hazelnuts, raisins and/or dried figs, chilli pepper, nutmeg, orange, lemon, even ginger , fennel and jasmine.
Modica chocolate: how to eat it
Chocolate of Modica PGI is eaten practically all year round. It can be tasted completely naturally, bite after bite to better appreciate its flavour, grittiness and aroma. In the local gastronomy it is the protagonist of chocolate ravioli , meat-based main courses, but also desserts such as Modica breadcrumbs . It can be combined with craft beers and spirits for pleasant tastings. And also sweet wines.
Modica chocolate, where to buy it (online)
Fine, but where can you buy Modica chocolate if you don't live around the city? As well as in shops specializing in typical Sicilian products , it can be found online . Sicilyaddict offers a great one. Any examples? You can find the Modica chocolate with chilli pepper , the Modica chocolate with salt and the vanilla one.
Photo Credit | wikimedia
