After the year we’ve had, we think it’s fair to say that everyone could use a little comfort in their lives right now. And if you’re anything like us, the best way to the heart is through the stomach. Sometimes, sinking your teeth into just the right bite can be soothing, comforting and remind us of happier times, all at once.

Italian cuisine perfectly embodies that feeling of comfort – like a warm wrap-around blanket. But not all Italian ingredients are created equal. When we shop for traditional Italian foods, we want authentic products of the highest quality that uphold rigorous safety standards.

Today, Canadians are more aware than ever about what we put into our bodies. Health-conscious products are rising in popularity, and people are more concerned about where their food actually comes from. Savvy consumers want to be reassured by the authenticity indicated on the label, the standards that are upheld when the product is being prepared and its overall quality. With everything else that’s happening in the world, we don’t want to take unnecessary chances – especially when it comes to the food we eat.

Luckily, there are some things that we can always rely on – like foods from Northern Italy, backed by time-honoured artisanal tradition that has lasted for centuries. These products come with a promise that they have never, and will never sacrifice on quality. Premium food products, Prosciutto di Parma, Prosciutto di San Daniele and Grana Padano cheese all embody that feeling of warmth and comfort, while delivering on the promise of quality and authenticity. Every time you choose these ingredients, you’re tucking into a truly Italian culinary experience.

Prosciutto di San Daniele, Grana Padano and Prosciutto di Parma each capture the Italian way of life. When you enjoy these incomparably delicious, natural foods that are never mass-produced or processed, you’re partaking in that passion for the Italian way.

Each of these Icons of European Taste carries the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) seal, signifying the European Union’s guarantee of quality, authenticity and origin. Prosciutto di San Daniele, Grana Padano and Prosciutto di Parma are each unique to their own specific geographical region in Italy and are created using traditional techniques that have upheld certain standards of culinary excellence for generations.

So you can feel good about treating yourself to these mouth-wateringly delicious foods.

What better way to comfort yourself in these troubled times than with the comforting embrace of a delicious plate of authentic Italian treasures that will feed your soul and warm your heart.

To learn more about these icons of European taste visit, iconsofeuropeantaste.eu

The content of this promotion campaign represents the views of the author only and is his/her sole responsibility. The European Commission and the Consumers, Health, Agriculture and Food Executive Agency (CHAFEA) do not accept any responsibility for any use that may be made of the information it contains.