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World Nutella Day

5th February 2020

Celebrated annually on 5th February, World Nutella Day honours the sweetened cocoa and hazelnut spread that is produced by the Italian company Ferrero.

Nutella has become adored the world over and, supposedly, a jar of this moreish marvel is sold every 2.5 seconds!

Nutella’s History

The beginnings of Nutella lay with Napoleon. In the 19th Century, he tried to ruin British commerce with a continental blockade. He hoped this will serve to win him the war. This led to the price of chocolate skyrocketing in the Piedmontese area of north-western Italy. Due to the increased prices, they had to think of ways to continue chocolate production but in a more cost-efficient way. They decided to chop up hazelnuts (which were plentiful in the area) and put them in the chocolate. This created Gianduja; a chocolate and hazelnut paste that became the foundation of the Nutella recipe.

In the 1940s, the Second World War caused chocolate to rise in price once more and was difficult to come by. Pietro Ferrero, who owned a bakery in Piedmont, used the same method of including chopped hazelnuts to extend his chocolate supplies. This became known as Pasta Gianduja. In 1941, he adapted it to a softer, creamier version which became known as Supercrema. In 1963, this recipe was marketed throughout Europe. It was called ‘Nutella’. The first jar was sold in April 1964.

Susan Russo

World Nutella Day was conceived by Susan Russo an American blogger living in Italy. Susan loved Nutella and would often take jars back to the US. In 2007 she spoke with fellow blogger Shelley Ruelle, and they decided to celebrate the joys of Nutella with a World Nutella Day. From this point onwards, the celebration has become increasingly popular, with social media users posting Nutella content and sharing recipes.

Nutella Mug Cake

Fancy making a simple yet tasty Nutella cake? Try this mug cake recipe that only takes 5 minutes!

Ingredients

  • 4 tbsp plain flour
  • 3 tbsp Nutella
  • 3 tbsp milk
  • 1/4 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda

Method

Mix all of the ingredients together in a large mug using a fork or small whisk until smooth. Microwave for 1-2 minutes and insert a toothpick into the middle to ensure it comes out clean. Allow to cool slightly before eating.

Pick up your jar of Nutella from Poundland in Garden Square and celebrate this sweet occasion.

#WorldNutellaDay