Vorrei Italian Online Food Shop - Lemon Virgole

I was recently contacted by Vorrei, a new online Italian food shop, that specialises in lovely Italian food from small scale suppliers and farms. They offered me the chance to try a box from their Calabrian chocolate covered figs and fruit range. I was sent the Lemon Virgole which are candied lemon peel covered in extra dark chocolate. These are made by Colavolpe in Belmonte, Calabria, who have been making fig specialities, chocolates, and more, by hand for three generations, using only local ingredients and traditional recipes.

The box is beautifully packaged with a gorgeously designed outer slipcase and inner box. It definitely looks like a product that has been lovingly put together and would make a visually appealing gift.

I must admit that at first I was a little worried that I had been sent the chocolate coated lemon instead of the figs, since I'm not usually keen on candied peel. However, as ever, I was still eager to try something new, and I've certainly never tried lemon peel that was actually made from the peel of locally grown Calabrian lemons. And I'm glad I put my reservations to one side as these delicacies were completely wonderful. The lemon peel has a zesty citrus flavour without any bitter aftertaste. The dark chocolate is also delicious being intense but still sweet at the same time. The two together, lemon and dark chocolate, make a wonderful combination. As with a most Italian sweet treats, I always find that they taste best with a strong espresso and that was certainly the case here - a sublime match of intensity and sweetness. 

I would love to try the chocolate Fig Bites next, they're made from dried figs that have been flavoured with vanilla and coated in an extra dark chocolate. Take a look at the wonderful range on the Vorrei Italian shop HERE. 

Grocery Gems Verdict: Lemon Virgole

RATING: 8 out of 10.
Buy them again?: Yes.
Purchased: Available from Vorrei (see links above).
Price: £8.50 (250g box).

Products sent for an honest review.