Chocolate Pears on Stalk

They were a favourite of Louis XIV, the Sun King, and later of Empress Maria Theresa, who encouraged farmers to plant pear trees on their farms and along rural paths. These roadside pear avenues became a distinctive feature of the European and Slovenian cultural landscape, offering shade, welcome refreshment, and handy nourishment to travellers. Before sugar became widely available, people in the countryside sweetened their lives with pears. Honey was a luxury, but dried pears were a prized treat among the urban elite. Now, as pears slowly regain their former esteem, the rural chocolaterie Passero has created a miniature orchard of chocolate pears. They still have their stalks on – though it’s your fingers you’ll need to watch out for!