The pastiera is also an Epiphany dessert: origins and history of the tradition
In the menu of your venue, are you thinking of adding a typical Epiphany dessert but don’t know which one?
The choice is wide because the extraordinary Italian gastronomic culture, in addition to seasonality and territoriality, is also deeply linked to tradition and celebrations. From north to south, in fact, there are many typical Epiphany desserts, but there is one which, although belonging to the Campanian tradition, is loved everywhere: the Neapolitan pastiera.
Not everyone knows, however, that pastiera is not only a typical Easter dessert: an ancient tradition holds that the first pastiera of the year should be eaten precisely on Epiphany Day.
Let’s find out more about the origins of this dessert and which ricotta to use for a
perfect pastiera!
Here’s how pastiera was born and why it is prepared as an Epiphany dessert
The origins of pastiera are a mix of history, faith, and mythology: a story worthy of the fervent creativity of the Neapolitan people.
The legend surrounding its birth tells that the Siren Parthenope, enchanted by the natural beauty of Naples, chose as her dwelling the waters between Posillipo and Mount Vesuvius, from which she emerged every spring to delight the local people with love songs. The Neapolitan people decided to pay homage to her with seven gifts: flour, a symbol of wealth; ricotta, an offering from the shepherds; eggs, a symbol of fertility; wheat cooked in milk, symbolizing the fusion of the animal and plant kingdoms; orange blossom flowers, fragrant like the Campanian land; cinnamon, representing distant peoples; sugar, sweet like the song of the siren.
Parthenope, happy with the gifts she received, dove into the depths and laid them at the feet of the Gods, who mixed them together, transforming them into the first Pastiera.
A more recent story, on the other hand, attributes the origins of the dessert to a Benedictine nun from the Neapolitan Convent of San Gregorio Armeno, who in the 16th century decided to create a dessert that could bring together some of the most symbolic ingredients of the Easter period. In reality, although everyone knows pastiera as a typical Easter dessert, according to Campanian tradition the first pastiera of the year should be eaten on January 6th, Epiphany Day.
This is because the first Easter in the Christian religion coincides with the arrival of the Three Wise Men. On the calendar, this day celebrates what is defined as the “Epiphany Easter,” which means precisely the announcement of Easter.
From legend to gastronomic tradition: which ricotta is used for the true Neapolitan pastiera?
Especially in Campania, every family and every pastry chef has their own recipe for Neapolitan pastiera, but despite small variations and secrets, the fundamental ingredients are strictly the same.
Among the most important is undoubtedly ricotta, which can be made from sheep’s milk or cow’s milk. The former has a stronger flavor but is also fattier, while cow’s milk ricotta is more delicate yet still flavorful, and for this reason it is preferred by many.
The important thing is to use only fresh, dairy-made ricotta, with a natural and genuine flavor and produced according to ancient dairy-making traditions, such as that of Latteria Sorrentina.
Where to find the best ricotta for traditional Epiphany desserts and beyond?
If for your restaurant you are looking for the best ricotta for desserts, choose the products of Latteria Sorrentina: discover all our delicious ricottas made only with cow’s milk, such as pastry ricotta, velvety and dry, which does not moisten doughs or alter their flavors, or the Ricotta Fuscella of Naples, excellent to enjoy on its own or as a precious ingredient in sweet and savory dishes.
Also try our Monti ricotta, ideal for fillings, or our Fior di Ricotta, enriched with top-quality cream, soft and creamy and therefore particularly suitable for making desserts and cakes.
Would you like more information about our ricottas or other products in our catalog? Contact us and we will be happy to provide you with all the assistance you need.