The Tuscan art of sweetness: Fratelli Lunardi’s Candied Melon

The tuscan art of sweetness: Fratelli Lunardi’s candied melon

Behind every slice of our Panforte Margherita lies a secret that carries the scent of sun, sea, and tradition.
It’s our candied melon — handcrafted in our own workshop and sourced exclusively from the Gulf of Baratti, in the heart of Tuscany’s stunning Etruscan Coast.

A fruit, a land, a story of artisan hands

The Baratti melon grows close to the sea, in a generous land caressed by salty breezes and kissed by the sun. It captures all the sweetness of this territory and brings it to our workshop, where it begins a slow and respectful candying process — just like it used to be done in the past.

The art of candying: a matter of time and care

Candying is an art of patience and precision.
Each melon is carefully hand-selected, cleaned, and gently blanched to soften the pulp and prepare it for the next phase.
Cut into even pieces, it begins a slow osmosis process that lasts several days: the melon is immersed in sugar syrups of increasing concentration, gradually replaced to allow the fruit to absorb the sugar naturally — without losing its softness or fragrance.

After this sweet bath, the melon pieces are preserved in their syrup, maintaining the perfect texture — not too moist, not too dry — and retaining all their aroma. Every step is guided by expert hands, with no rush, only care — the same care that has always defined our way of working.

The secret behind Fratelli Lunardi’s Panforte Margherita

This special candied melon is the ingredient that gives our Panforte Margherita its perfect balance and fragrance.
Together with orange peel, candied citron, and whole almonds, it tells the story of our genuine and artisanal craftsmanship.
And it’s also thanks to this ingredient that our Panforte earned Gambero Rosso’s recognition as the best artisanal Panforte — a sweetness that tastes like Tuscany, made of real ingredients and sincere gestures.

A delight worth enjoying on its own

For lovers of authentic flavors, our Baratti candied melon is also available in a 180g jar.
Perfect to pair with aged cheeses or boiled meats, it’s a surprising combination that reveals the truest soul of Tuscan tradition.

The taste of tradition in every slice

From the Etruscan Coast to the heart of Tuscany, every ingredient tells a story of respect, patience, and craftsmanship.
And if you want to truly experience this magic, there’s only one thing left to do — taste it in its most delicious form: our Panforte Margherita.