Spongata, also known as Spunghéda, is a traditional dessert from the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. It is a sweet pastry filled with a mixture of honey, nuts, and dried fruits, and is often flavored with spices such as cinnamon and cloves. Spongata can be found in various towns and communes in Emilia-Romagna, including Reggio Emilia, Parma, and Modena. It is typically sold in local pastry shops, bakeries, and specialty food stores in these areas.
One popular recipe for Spongata involves making a sweet pastry dough and filling it with a mixture of honey, walnuts, almonds, pine nuts, and candied fruits. Another variation includes adding spices such as cinnamon and cloves to the filling for added flavor. Once the pastry is filled, it is baked until golden brown and then allowed to cool before serving.
Spongata has been recognized with the PAT (Traditional Agri-Food Product) designation, which signifies its traditional production methods and ties to the Emilia-Romagna region. The specifications for Spongata include using locally sourced ingredients and following Traditional Recipesss and techniques for its production.
Sources:
– www.emiliaromagnaturismo.it
– www.agricoltura.regione.emilia-romagna.it