The protected designation of origin (PDO) "Pane Toscano" is reserved for bread that meets the conditions and requirements established in the product specification. CSQA will take care of certifying that the aforementioned requirements are respected and of monitoring each phase of the production process. In this way, and through the registration in special lists, managed by the CSQA, of raw material producers, millers, bakers and packers, the traceability of the product is guaranteed. All the actors that are part of the production chain are subject to control by the certification body.
The «Pane Toscano» PDO is recognized for bread obtained using the ancient processing system in use in Tuscany which provides for the exclusive use of sourdough (or sourdough), water and type “0” soft wheat flour.
«Pane Toscano» PDO must have the following characteristics:
- Shape and weight : loaf weighing between 0.45 and 0.55 kg, rhomboidal in shape, locally called "filoncino"; piece weighing between 0.90 and 1.10 kg or between 1.80 and 2.20 kg, rectangular in shape with rounded corners, locally called "loaf";
- Thickness of the cheese : between 5 and 12 cm;
- Crust : crumbly and crunchy, with a dark opaque hazelnut colour;
- Mollica : white, ivory-white in colour, characterized by irregular honeycombs;
- Aroma : toasted hazelnut;
- Flavour : “sciocco”, i.e. without salt and slightly acidic;
- Humidity : not more than 30% by weight.
“ The certification of Pane Toscano DOP – explained Pietro Bonato , General Manager and Chief Executive Officer of CSQA – does not simply mean evaluating compliance with the standards contained in the production specification and in the relative control plan, but much more. Tuscan bread is one of the symbols of Made in Italy because it is recognizable and appreciated for its qualities all over the world and because it fully represents the land in which it is produced. The characteristics that make it unique, in fact, derive from the ancient and typical bread-making method that has always been used in the Tuscan territory and from the use of only and exclusively local raw materials. The consumer will be able to recognize Pane Toscano DOP from the logo that will be placed on CSQA certified products. Thanks to this further project, we confirm ourselves as the leading body in Italy in the certification for the food sector ”.
“ After years of work and research to achieve the DOP for Tuscan bread – declared Roberto Pardini , Director of the Consortium for the Promotion and Protection of Tuscan Bread – production by Tuscan companies certified by CSQA has finally begun. Sold throughout the national territory with the aim (as required by the specification) of soon exporting it internationally, Pane Toscano is the first PDO in the category of regional dimensions ”.