bbuono selected Pasticceria Evelina, which is located in the town of Bagolino (province of Brescia), works following traditional methods, their motto is the earth that nourishes, nature that heals
Söcher amar or bitter sugar
The origin of this lump, called söcher amar (Italian for bitter sugar), is ancient, being handed down for generations in the mountain village that is Bagolino. The women of yesteryear gathered inflorescences, roots, herbs and fresh berries in the surrounding mountains, Maniva and Gaver (Adamello Park), which were used to make bitter sugar, also used to cure mild seasonal ailments. These herbs were dried in the attics of mountain homes to make use of them during the winter season.
It is easy to preserve and keeps its medicinal properties intact, so sucked or dissolved in hot water as herbal teas are a good digestive, but also a great remedy for sore throats and coughs. It is practiced this ancient custom with much love and respect for nature. The processing of söcher amar is all done by hand, thus ensuring a handcrafted product of the highest quality.
Also made by Evelina’s pastry shop, you can also find 70% dark chocolate with mountain herbs and mountain herb meringues.
Tips for recipes with söcher amar
The following are some of the uses that can be made with söcher amar lumps:
- Herb schnapps: in a 70 cl bottle of white schnapps add 300 g of söcher amar, stir occasionally until the lumps dissolve.
- Herbal tea: in a cup of hot water dissolve 3-4 lumps of söcher amar, those who wish can add a tablespoon of honey
- Summer drink: in one liter of lukewarm water dissolve 200 g of söcher amar, it will keep in the refrigerator for three days.
- Herb granita: in one liter of lukewarm water, dissolve 200 g of söcher amar, create ice cubes and then crush them for granita.
- Champagne Cocktail: two innovative versions of the world-famous cocktail with more than 150 years of history.
Why did we choose Pastry Shop Evelina?
We were in Bagolino on a beautiful late summer day, strolling among arcades, stairways, and underpasses in this charming village full of fascination.
Its three- and four-story buildings leaning against each other evoked medieval splendor, with streets adorned with wall frescoes, fountains, and wrought-iron gates that recalled past centuries and exuded a history of anecdotes and traditions.
Immersed in this atmosphere, we came across a pastry shop with a sign reading “produzione artigianale Söcher Amar”.
Amazed to find a product I thought lost in time (I remembered over 30 years ago my grandmother and her herbal teas with this ingredient), we entered the shop and met the owners.
Mrs. Diana, a great connoisseur of mountain herbs, told us how they revived this tradition that was disappearing, with this artisanal candy with multiple uses.
Together with her partner Mauro, gifted with exquisite technique in his creations, they decided to bring it back and preserve it, because it is that classic genuine product that does good.
Diana and Mauro also handcraft, with the same herbs, dark chocolate, delicious not only for those with a sweet tooth.
Where the Evelina bakery is located
If you pass through Bagolino, a town of many traditions, a trip to this bakery for a taste of its products and to take home the Söcher Amar is a must. We returned home fulfilled in taste and pleased that a great tradition has been saved and continues in good hands.
To Diana and Mauro, who with sacrifice, passion and love of the natural products that the mountains give, we say thank you.
