Panerone (from pànera or ‘panna’ – cream - in the Lombardy dialect) has as its most distinctive characteristic a bitter taste due to the absence of salt and the presence of serum in the forms. This is, however, softened by other overtones of cream and butter. It is a singular taste that some can find unpleasant so it is important to find the right accompaniments that can make the best of its special features.