Among all the local delicacies of Oltrepò to which the De. Co. mark was attributed, there is also the traditional “Miccone” from Stradella.
White bread of peasant origins, invented to support families, but above all, men during the long days of work in the fields.
The traditional recipe involves the use of soft wheat flour, water, natural yeast and salt, all natural and simple ingredients. Despite this, their combination gives life to a fragrant and excellent quality product, capable of maintaining these characteristics up to 5 days after preparation. The secret is the low percentage of moisture contained in the dough, only 40% water, which is essential due to the humid climate that distinguishes the Oltrepò Pavese area.
At the time of preparation, to favor the amalgamation of all the ingredients, the mixture must be worked for a long time and, once it becomes compact, it will be ready for a first leavening phase. Subsequently, it is necessary to proceed with further processing of the dough from which rounded shapes are obtained that will then be engraved and left to rise for many hours. The result obtained is passed into the rolling mill, broken and, finally, worked by hand to give it the classic shape of “Miccone”.
The recipe requires a third leavening process lasting one hour which must take place on special frames and a second incision that precedes the last step, that of cooking. This is carried out with skill and suitable conditions to guarantee an excellent product of great pride for the territory.
The “Miccone” of Stradella
The De.Co. bread of Oltrepò Pavese.
Each territory can boast numerous typical and traditional products that are unique in their kind, in fact, there are some of them which have been given the title of "Municipal Denomination".
The De.Co. mark was born from a law, more precisely the Law n. 142 and is also a source of pride for many Municipalities in the Oltrepò Pavese area. It certifies that a specific product, be it food or artisanal, but also a specific recipe, are considered original and typical of the place.
There are many delicacies that boast this recognition, helping to enhance the places they come from and to guarantee their historical and cultural link with the territory. The "Miccone" of Stradella, the "Malfatti" of Fortunago, the potato of Brallo and the "Mundiöla" of Montesegale are just some of the examples of De.Co. that belong to and characterize the Oltrepò.
Discover other traditional products and which ones have this mark, where to find them and, in many cases, where to taste them.