Story: Amari | Tuscany
Tuscany is world-famous for its rolling hills, excellent wines, and a culinary tradition that focuses on simplicity and quality. But beyond Chianti and olive oil, there are sweet treasures to be discovered that will make the hearts of gourmets beat faster. One of these treasures is Amari, a small but exquisite pastry shop that reinterprets traditional Italian pastries. In this article, we take a look behind the scenes of this company, which knows how to transform the essence of the Tuscan way of life into crispy delicacies.
The origin: Carmignano and the heritage of Prato
Amari is based in Carmignano, a picturesque municipality in the province of Prato. This location is no coincidence, but rather a promise. The area around Prato is historically the epicenter of Italian almond biscuits, the famous “cantuccini” or “biscotti di Prato.” Amari has settled in the midst of this historic landscape, where vineyards meet olive groves. The surroundings not only inspire with their beauty, but also commit to the highest quality, as competition and expectations in this region are traditionally high.
A story of passion and family
Behind the Amari brand is not an anonymous large-scale industry, but the vision of two people: Lorella and Marco. The company was born out of a desire to preserve the authentic flavors of childhood, while at the same time bringing them into the modern age. What began as a small workshop has grown into a respected brand that has never forgotten its roots. The story of Amari is the story of a family who decided that “good enough” was not enough and that real pastries require time, patience, and attention to detail.
Craftsmanship: The philosophy behind production
At the heart of Amari is the philosophy of “Pasticceria Artigianale” - artisanal pastry making. In contrast to mass production, where speed and shelf life often take precedence, Amari focuses on carefully selected raw ingredients. No hydrogenated fats or inferior oils are used, only fresh butter, local eggs, and high-quality flours. Production takes place in small batches to guarantee freshness. This avoidance of unnecessary preservatives and emphasis on manual processing ensures that each pastry retains its individual character and tastes like it was made at home.
The flagship product: Cantuccini reimagined
When talking about Amari, one must mention Cantuccini. However, while many stick to the classic recipe with almonds, Amari stands out for its creativity and variety. Of course, there is the classic version with crunchy almonds, but the real stars are the variations. Particularly popular are the cantuccini with dark chocolate chips, which add a tart sweetness to the crumbly biscuits. Equally sophisticated are creations with candied oranges, pistachios, or even combinations with coffee. Amari has managed to refine the biscuit, often criticized as “hard,” so that it is crispy yet pleasantly crumbly to the bite.
More than just cookies: dragées and seasonal specialties
However, Amari's portfolio is not limited to its famous dipping cookies. Another highlight is its dragées—small works of art made from nuts or fruits coated in the finest chocolate. Whether hazelnuts from Piedmont or aromatic coffee beans, the chocolate coating is applied with the utmost precision. The company also cultivates the Italian tradition of seasonal holiday pastries. At Christmas time, the range includes artisan panettone, and at Easter, traditional colomba cakes are baked, which impress with their long proving time and rich ingredients.
Aesthetics meets taste: the design
One aspect that sets Amari apart from many other bakeries is its sense of aesthetics. The company understands that enjoyment begins with the eyes. The packaging is elegant, often minimalist and modern in design, without appearing cold. The stylish boxes with viewing windows or the beautifully designed bags make the products ideal gifts. This love of design reflects the care that also goes into production: it is a holistic experience of Tuscan elegance that perfectly combines tradition and modern lifestyle. - Gerardo [TS01/26]
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