If you have decided to spend a few days of vacation in our beautiful Ceriale in December and during the Christmas holidays, you should definitely eat Pan del Pescatore or Pan del Marinaio.
It is a sweet typical of the ancient Ligurian tradition, which is however produced and consumed all year round.
With a round and semi-crushed shape, it is crumbly and very tasty. In fact it is a preparation rich in genuine and energetic ingredients: pine nuts, sultana raisins and candied fruit.
The Pan del Pescatore has is a regional specialty with a very long conservation.
In ancient times it was a very important preparation for sailors. In fact, facing long sea voyages, they had the opportunity to eat fruit, which otherwise was absent on ships.
There is a legend that tells that in 500 the “Doge Andrea Doria” of the Republic of Genoa established a contest among the master pastry chefs of Genoa.
They had to represent the wealth of Genoa with a dessert that had to have characteristics that make it ideal for long trips at sea.
The Genoese historian Luigi Augusto Cervetto (1854-1923) instead attested that the Pan del Marinaio has Persian origins.
Liguria is rich in traditional preparations imported from Persia.
In fact, Luigi Augusto Cervetto, based on the history of our land, built a very likely theory.
It is during the Crusades that the population of the Republic of Genoa knew food unknown to us until then, like raisins, for example. He also discovered new conservation techniques, such as candying.
Cultures meet and blend together creating something extraordinary.
This delicious dessert over time has acquired particular importance during the Christmas holidays.
Traditionally, the youngest of the family brings it to the table and delivers it to the head of the family, as a sign of a long and serene life, with the protection of God.
In ancient times the Pan del Pescatore had to be consumed on several occasions: some portion at Christmas, sharing it also with the poor, and the remaining on 3rd February, on the occasion of the feast of San Biagio.
Today, the Pan del Pescatore is part of our daily life and we consume it all year round, but the tradition of eating it certainly remains in the Christmas period and is often chosen as a welcome gift.
If you come to Ceriale in December and during the Christmas holidays, don’t forget to buy it for yourself and as a gift for your loved ones.
