When we talk about some of the best winter delights, Marzipan is definitely found at the top of the list. For the unversed, it’s a culinary paste made from almonds, sugar, and honey. It is usually used to make sweet treats like candies, cakes, bread, and icing sugar. The paste is first made with ground almonds and sugar and then moulded into intricate shapes for further use.
When tracing the roots of Marzipan, it is believed that Marzipan had originated in the Middle East and travelled to Europe in the late Middle Ages. The sweet treat is believed to be documented in England in the latter part of the 15th century and was called marchpane, martspace, Mazapan or marchpan. Food historians believe that the sweet treat has originated in the German city of Lubeck that represents itself as the ‘World Capital Of Marzipan’. Initially, the sweet treat was used for medicinal purposes. Later, a decree was passed according to which the sweet was restricted as a sweet extravagance. In the 18th century, Marzipan became a common delicacy on special occasions. In the 1950s, it became an everyday confectionary item consumed by the common folks.
Marzipan has evolved with time and place. Italians add artificial colours and mould it into various fruits shapes. The Spanish mould Marzipans into animals and stuff them with a mixture of yolk and sugar. Many other countries use the sweet treat for numerous special occasions. From novelty New Year “lucky pigs”, heart-shaped valentine gifts to coloured and decorated Easter eggs, Marzipans have evolved and transcended boundaries to become one of the favourite sweet treats today. The decadent culinary paste is also used as icing on wedding and Christmas cakes.
Are you excited to taste Marzipan if you haven’t already? You can try the embedded recipes at home during the upcoming festivities and holidays.