The History of Paper Colomba Baking Forms

The story of Easter Colomba is a compelling tale intertwined with ancient traditions and modern innovation. These fragrant panettone-like sweets have deep roots in Italian culture and the Easter tradition, where the dove symbolises peace and prosperity.

Origins and Meaning

The origins of the Colomba are uncertain: some legends speak of a gift from the people of Pavia to King Alboin; others suggest instead that the Irish monk Saint Columbanus, invited during Lent to the court of Theodolinda, Queen of Italy and the Lombards from 589 to 616 A.D., transformed meat dishes into “colombe”, doves made of white bread.

The first commercialisation

The first commercialisation in the version we know today, however, belongs to Dino Villani, an advertiser who, hired by Motta in 1930, created a new version of the panettone to market it during the Easter holidays.

The traditional recipe

In 2005, the Italian Ministry laid down in a decree, as also for the product Panettone, the ingredients that cannot be missing or replaced in a product that wants to be marketed as Colomba: wheat flour; sugar; category ‘A’ hen eggs or egg yolk, or both, in such quantities as to guarantee not less than four per cent yolk; butterfat, not less than sixteen per cent; candied citrus peel, not less than fifteen per cent; natural yeast consisting of sourdough; salt.

Yeast, icing and cocoa are also regulated!

Paper Innovation

But what does paper have to do with this ancient culinary tradition? The answer lies in baking moulds.

From the earliest times, Easter Colomba were baked in special paper moulds, which gave them their characteristic shape and allowed them to bake evenly.

Here at Ecopack, we have been producing Colomba cooking moulds for generations, representing the tradition and excellence of made in Italy. What has made Ecopack a benchmark in the industry is in fact the combination of tradition and innovation.

Over the years, our machinery has become more and more technological, guaranteeing superior quality and efficient production. But what really sets Ecopack apart is its commitment to sustainability.

Sustainability and Tradition

Ecopack Easter Colomba are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also sustainable. By using new eco-friendly papers and inks, we strive to reduce the environmental impact of our production without compromising quality or tradition: our Colomba baking forms are compostable, certified by TUV Austria.

The one thing that has never changed at Ecopack is the passion for sustainability and tradition. We continue to honour the ancient craft practices that have made Easter doves so special for centuries, while looking to the future with a keen eye on the environment and the community we serve.