The Versatile Delights of Nutella: The Best Ways to Enjoy This Italian Spread

Nutella, an iconic chocolate-hazelnut spread, has become a beloved culinary favorite for both humans and a variety of animals. This beloved treat has a rich history that traces its origins back to war and scarcity, from its early days as the first gianduja blends in 19th-century Piedmont to its current status as a globally recognized dessert and snack.

The History of Nutella

Nicola and Pietro Ferrero created Nutella in the aftermath of World War II, using local hazelnuts and limited cocoa supplies. The spread then underwent a recipe tweak in 1964, transforming into the easily spreadable SuperCrema version that we know today. The smooth, creamy texture of Nutella has been admired for decades, with its ganache-like quality adding a luxurious mouthfeel to any dish.

Controversies and Criticisms

Despite its popularity, Nutella has faced its share of controversies, particularly regarding its use of palm oil. In 2015, France's then-environment minister Ségolène Royal called for a Nutella boycott, but Ferrero's response demonstrated their commitment to sustainability. The company has since been recognized as a leader in palm oil transparency and regulation. Nutella is currently praised for its low global palm oil usage, as seen by its top rating on the 2020 WWF palm oil scorecard.

The Ideal Ways to Enjoy Nutella

Nutella is a versatile spread that can elevate a wide range of dishes and beverages. Here are some of the best ways to enjoy this beloved treat:

Cold from the Jar

For the ultimate Nutella experience, store the jar in the refrigerator. Room temperature Nutella can harden in the fridge, but once melted, it reveals an exceptionally silky texture that melts instantly in the mouth. This technique is particularly recommended if you want to taste Nutella at its most luxurious, as it pairs well with desserts without overpowering their flavors.

Ice Cream

Serving Nutella with ice cream can create a very indulgent treat. Pour room-temperature Nutella onto vanilla ice cream, or use a two-scoop serving size to avoid a cloying effect. Keeping the Nutella cold ensures that the flavors blend beautifully, making this a perfect after-dinner dessert or a quick pick-me-up.

Toasted Bread

Toasted white bread is ideal for Nutella because it reduces the sweetness of the bread, giving it a more savory taste. A lighter bread, such as brown seeded or wholemeal, can be a bit too heavy and overly gummy. The combination of butter, Nutella, and toasted bread provides a creamy and delicious breakfast option that satisfies any mid-morning craving.

Banana and Nutella Sandwich

The classic banana and Nutella sandwich is a symphony of flavors. The soft, white, and thin bread should not be toasted, as it detracts from the texture. The banana acts as a lubricant, providing freshness that complements the Nutella. This sandwich is best served immediately, as the combination of flavors resets the palate, ensuring each bite feels new and exciting.

Croissant

Nutella can work well on croissants, but for the best results, it's best to accompany Nutella with a few squares of a chocolate bar. This combination creates a delightful contrast of textures and flavors, making the croissant more enjoyable. A fresh and lubricious croissant will enhance the Nutella, while a more stale croissant may become overly saturated and difficult to eat.

When to Avoid Nutella

While Nutella is versatile, it's not always a good fit in every context. Some uses of Nutella, such as fruit dipping, pizza, or a chocolate spread on a charcuterie board, can be less appealing. Nutella can be overly rich and may obscure the delicate flavors of other ingredients, making these pairings less successful.

What to Pair with Nutella

For a perfect match, Nutella pairs excellently with a giant mug of tea. The tannins in tea help cleanse the palate after indulging in a Nutella-heavy treat, making it a natural complement to the spread.

Conclusion

Nutella is a versatile ingredient that can elevate a wide range of dishes and beverages. Whether enjoyed cold from the jar, used in a dessert, or spread on toasted bread, there's a way to enjoy Nutella that suits every taste and occasion. So the next time you find yourself with a jar of Nutella, don't hesitate to indulge – it's a guilty pleasure that's worth every calorie.