Turrón

Turrón is a traditional Spanish confectionery product, typically consumed during the Christmas season. It is made primarily from honey, sugar, egg white, and almonds. There are many variations of turrón, including turrón de Alicante (hard turrón) and turrón de Jijona (soft turrón).

History

The origins of turrón are traced back to the Moorish period in Spain. The Moors introduced the recipe to the Iberian Peninsula during their rule, which lasted from the 8th to the 15th century. The earliest known recipe for turrón is found in the Llibre de Sent Soví, a medieval cookbook written in Catalan.

Production

Turrón is produced using a process that has been largely unchanged for centuries. The almonds are first roasted and then ground into a paste. The honey and sugar are heated to a high temperature and then combined with the almond paste and egg whites. The mixture is then shaped into a rectangular block and left to cool and harden.

Varieties

There are two main varieties of turrón: turrón de Alicante and turrón de Jijona. Turrón de Alicante is a hard, nougat-like confection made with whole almonds. Turrón de Jijona, on the other hand, is a soft, paste-like confection made with ground almonds.

Other varieties of turrón include turrón de yema (made with egg yolks), turrón de guirlache (made with caramelized sugar and almonds), and turrón de chocolate (made with chocolate and almonds).

Health Benefits

Turrón is rich in protein, vitamin E, and monounsaturated fat, thanks to its high almond content. It is also a good source of calcium and magnesium. However, due to its high sugar content, it should be consumed in moderation.

See Also

• Nougat
• Marzipan
• List of Spanish desserts