Gianduja (chocolate)
Gianduia or gianduja is a sweet chocolate spread containing about 30% hazelnut paste, invented in Turin during Napoleon's regency.History
The Continental System – imposed by Napoleon in 1806 – prevented British goods from entering European ports under French control, putting a strain on cocoa supplies. A chocolatier in Turin named Michele Prochet extended the little chocolate he had by mixing it with hazelnuts from the Langhe hills south of Turin. Based on gianduja, Turin-based chocolate manufacturer Caffarel invented gianduiotto in 1852.
It takes its name from Gianduja, a Carnival and marionette character who represents the archetypal Piedmontese, a native of the Italian region where hazelnut confectionery is common.
