Spices and Tuscany: from “speziali” to appetizer

SPICES HAVE HAD GREAT POPULARITY IN ITALY SINCE ANCIENT TIMES, ESPECIALLY IN TUSCANY, WHERE THE POLYHEDRIC FIGURES OF THE “SPEZIALI” WERE BORN.

Medieval Italy was literally overwhelmed by the massive arrival of spices, imported from East due to the frequent trade and cultural exchanges of that time. The figure of the speziali (namely apothecaries) was born in this period and strengthened its role over the following centuries. In the fourteenth century the speziali grouped themselves into one of the major Corporations of the Commune Period, “The Art of Doctors and Apothecaries”. This underlines the importance of this figure in the Communes. The Corporation then “judged” each apothecary and decided whether these individuals were capable or not.

The apothecary’s bottega were real laboratories with all kinds of mixtures and substances inside

In the bottega of apothecaries there were an infinite amount of spices and elaborate substances, with various uses and qualities. First of all, there were spices and herbs for medicinal use, perfumes and essences of various types. Between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, numerous apothecary shops were born and served as real pharmacies. Therefore, the figure of the pharmacist and the first codes relating to this discipline originated all in this period, in old Tuscany. There were also colors for painting, waxes and candles, papers, inks and above all spicy sweets, prepared by the apothecaries themselves. Thanks to these past figures, fantastic typical products of the Tuscan pastry tradition are born, such as the famous Panforte, a dessert present on every table in Valdichiana Senese during Christmas period.

The use of spices leads to the basics of Tuscan culinary art and reaches our glasses

The spices used for the desserts were innumerable and every apothecary could create imaginative recipes. Mixes of exotic ingredients unavailable locally, or innovative blends with the addition of local materials were created, and much more. The Tuscan pastry tradition, and above all that of Valdichiana Senese, owe a lot to this period and to the imagination of those apothecaries, who set the foundations for the typical contemporary Tuscan cuisine. In addition to the aforementioned panforte, we could also mention the Ricciarelli or the Cavallucci, which have various spices inside. They are all tasty and straight, simple and genuine desserts, just like Tuscany and its lands.

Spices can also be used for various blends. If in past centuries they were mainly material for medicines, colors and sweets, today they are also a very precious resource for classy drinks and cocktails. There are numerous spices used to create high-class bitters and drinks, such as rhubarb, iris flowers, pepper, cardamom and many more. In Valdichiana Senese we find a classic example of this long tradition in an amaro that expertly blends and enhances the flavour of numerous spices is Amaro Santoni, a prestigious liqueur from Chianciano Terme recognized internationally thanks to its very high quality and numerous awards won.

Amaro Santoni was born from the infusion of herbs with strictly traditional methods, a long historical testimony of Tuscan processing practices between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance

Gabriello Santoni, the manufacturer of this product, manages to perfectly combine the use of local products and botanicals of the highest quality. All respecting tradition and in the name of innovation, true spirit of the company, which has built the success of the brand step by step. Amaro Santoni is the light and stylish result of the company’s production, a perfect mix to be enjoyed in company during an appetizer with friends. Simply by looking at Amaro Santoni you can guess the spirit and flavour of this liqueur. The satin bottle, the floral motif label and the color of the liquid are captivating and fascinating, a symbol of a glamorous but always genuine Tuscany, to be enjoyed in a glass. The liqueur is composed of a blend of 34 spice herbs, it is excellent to be enjoyed alone or mixed as a cocktail.

To savour the fashionable and light style of Tuscany, you can enjoy the Box Aperitivo glamour in Valdichiana, with a spicy chilli pepper caciotta and stuzzichine (a bread-made snack) inside, perfect for celebrating a special occasion with the right company.