Do not store avocado like this: Christmas is dangerous, it is also the time for panettone, a dessert that few know how to give up. Whether it is the traditional one or revisited with chocolate chips or various fillings, it is a real must on the party tables. But how to choose a quality product? We asked "our" nutritionist. When we go to the supermarket but also to bakeries or pastry shops we are faced with a wide choice of Christmas sweets. Among these the panettone undoubtedly stands out, among the most loved and consumed in this period. Obviously, as with any other product, there are several variations and the quality is not always the same. But what are the rules for choosing a good panettone? We asked the nutritionist Flavio Pettirossi, here's what he told us: First of all, in the choice you should make a visual evaluation, in fact the panettone as a confectionery product is characterized by a round base and an upper crust, the alveoli that are formed following the leavening process must have an elongated shape, the consistency must be soft and must have a light brown color and well leavened. However, the visual evaluation is not always possible, since often the panettone is wrapped in a package that does not allow you to see the contents inside. What to watch out for then? Another point is, as always, the reading of the label, in fact some ingredients are characteristic and must necessarily be present. These are: wheat flour, sugar, raisins and candied citrus peel (the softer, more fragrant and consistent the candied fruit, the more quality they are guaranteed) in quantities not less than 20%, natural yeast consisting of sourdough, salt, butter (quantity not less than 20%) and fresh eggs (usually they are category A and in quantities not less than 4% in yolk). So I recommend not buying panettone made with egg products or vegetable oils. And in the case of artisanal panettone? The same rules apply but we pay attention to the expiration date, which usually in the case of artisan products has shorter times this because a real quality product does not contain preservatives. What is the ideal portion of panettone to consume if you don't want to overdo it? Consider that with a portion of panettone we take in about 260 calories, this is because it is a product rich in butter, sugars and fats. In fact, in terms of nutrients, these are the most relevant, even if there is a small component of fiber and a fair amount of protein in the panettone. Regarding the portion, the advice I can give is to limit yourself to about 80 grams, to be consumed next to meals. If we eat this dessert as a snack or snack, we do not enjoy the advantage that the break from food guarantees our mouth. During the times when we don't eat, saliva balances the pH of the mouth and reduces the risk of plaque, tartar and tooth decay. This year you will also notice an increase in the cost of panettone and pandoro which can reach up to 20%. Blame the increase in the price of raw materials. Read also: "Dear Pandoro": raw materials increase and prices soar The alternative is to try to make it at home following our recipes:
- Homemade panettone: classic recipe and with chocolate chips
- Panettone with sourdough (vegan recipe)
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