The annual event first took place in 2017, when Italian food critics and writers Clara and Gigi Padovani launched their proposal for Tiramisù Day at Eataly Trieste.
They chose March 21 because, as they put it: “There’s nothing better than tiramisù to celebrate the arrival of spring and to leave the grayness of winter behind.”
The Padovanis were joined by Flavia Cosolo, daughter of Mario Cosolo, as she prepared the original tiramisù recipe that her father created.
Now, restaurants, chefs and foodies from all corners of the globe participate in events and initiatives on March 21 to promote this Italian favourite.
To celebrate this year’s World Tiramisù Day, we bring you five facts about this mouthwatering sweet.
It’s all in the name
The sweet’s name literally translates to “pick-me-up” in English.
The Academia italiana della Crusca has certified that tiramisù is now present as an “Italian gastronomic term” in 23 different languages.
And in China, it’s the most searched Italian word on the web.
A universal recipe
Although there are many recipes, tiramisù is generally a mixture of espresso, creamy mascarpone and Savoiardi – or ladyfingers – all topped with cocoa powder.
Controversial origins
The dessert may be universally loved by all, but it does stir up a bit of controversy regarding its history.
Despite the dissent regarding the origins of the recipe, the Padovanis have done their research, discovered the truth and recorded it in their book Tiramisù.
The recipe was originally created between 1940 and 1950 in Italy’s region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia.
Chef Mario Cosolo invented the recipe at his restaurant Al Vetturino di Pieris and originally named it tirimesù.
Although the recipe was born in the region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, the nearby region of Veneto is largely responsible for popularising the dessert across the world.
The tiramisù has even made it to space!
In 2013, Italian astronaut Luca Parmitano requested a special menu while on a mission to the International Space Station.
Turin chef Davide Scabin, of the Combal.Zero restaurant, satisfied his craving with a dehydrated tiramisù.
A record-breaking dessert
According to Guinness World Records, the largest tiramisù weighs 3015 kilograms and was prepared in Gemona del Friuli, Italy, on May 25, 2015.
The largest tiramisù was made with the following ingredients:
- 350 kg zabaione cream
- 750 L coffee
- 625 kg mascarpone
- 625 kg cream
- 450 kg Savoiardi biscuits
- 250 kg sugar
- 25 kg cocoa
- 25 kg whipped cream
