Spanish nougat is the quintessential Christmas dessert, there is no discussion. Spanish nougat are as typical and traditional as they are delicious. It has become a member of each Spanish family during these dates so marked on the calendar.
The truth is that, at the end of November, we already began to purr with the nougat, the supermarket aisles overwhelm us with so much nougat and our Christmas craving wins any forecast.
The sweets in Spain are very typical, we all know that, but outside of Spain it is very difficult to find our favorite: suchard nougat, yolk nougat, peanut nougat, etc.
Can you imagine a Christmas without Spanish nougat? The truth is that I don’t.
It is true that we could eat nougat all year round, but if it were so, Christmas would lose all the grace in the world. Things as they are. So everything has its due time and its corresponding place.
What is spanish nougat?
We all know what nougats are. We have all eaten spanish nougat at our grandparents’ house and we have not even met with a cousin to get the last piece that was left on the tray of Christmas sweets. Right that if?
But do we really know what spanish nougat is made of?
Spanish nougat are the typical Christmas sweet made from almonds, pine nuts, hazelnuts or walnuts. Ingredients toasted and mixed with honey and sugar, which make up a tablet called nougat.
Characteristics of spanish nougat
The process of making spanish nougat is authentically traditional, so the nougat sector continues to be guided by the same recipe as always.
Depending on whether it is hard or soft, it will have some characteristics or others. The difference between the two is the content. In the case of hard nougat, the almonds, walnuts or hazelnuts are not crushed, but are mixed directly with the honey and sugar. While in soft nougat, these ingredients are crushed and mixed with the pasta to form a smooth homogeneous mass.
The main production centers in Spain for nougat are located in the provinces of Alicante, Valencia and Lérida, but above all it is concentrated in Jijona, or also known as Xixona, a small town in Alicante.
In fact, there is a Jijona and Turrones de Alicante Regulatory Council in charge of the Denomination of Origin, so that they comply with each and every one of the necessary requirements to belong to the Protected Geographical Indication.
Hard Nougat from Alicante
Hard or Alicante nougat consists of a mass of honey, sugar, egg white and whole almonds.
Almonds are the main ingredient in Alicante nougat. It must contain at least 46% by weight of almonds. While the honey used must be collected from the Valencian Community.
It is a food rich in protein, especially for athletes, since it has two of the most favored ingredients, honey and almonds.
Soft nougat from Jijona
The soft nougat or Jijona consists of a ground mass of honey, sugar, egg white and crushed almonds. Jijona sweets are characterized by having ground the mixture of almonds with honey, thus achieving a pasty texture.
The proportion of almonds is lower than the percentage acquired by Alicante nougats. And it should be noted that some soft nougat are made from domestic crafts.
Types of nougat available at Gastronomic Spain
The great selection of nougats that Gastronomic Spain offers is immense. Nougat of all flavors, of all sizes and of many different brands.
Nougat for all tastes:
Nougat from Jijona and nougat from Alicante. Essential in our catalog of Christmas sweets. They fall into the category of the most demanded in Spain.
Toasted Yolk Nougat. Different but just as spectacular. The toasted yolk is the covering of this typical Christmas sweet, an egg layer that covers it and burns after adding the corresponding sugar. Like soft nougat or hard nougat, yolk nougat is also very traditional.
Chocolate nougat. It is made in the same way as that of Jijona or Alicante, but to this the perfect seasoning is added, chocolate. An irresistible for anyone.
Cream nougat with walnuts. This cream and walnut sweet is also very traditional at Christmas parties. Its main ingredients, as its name suggests, are cream and walnuts. A nougat out of the ordinary, but just as delicious.
Guirlache nougat. Guirlache is a sweet made from almonds and solidified caramel. It is a very typical Christmas sweet but it is also used in some recipes for cakes and other sweets.
Suchard. The Suchard is the authentic chocolate nougat with puffed rice. It is one of the most famous in Spain, in fact, it is never lacking in the Christmas candy assortments. I would dare say that many of you buy too much to have supplies after Christmas.
1880. Known as the most expensive nougat in the world. One of the most exquisite nougat and with the widest variety of products on the market. Spectacular premium nougat.
Coco nougat. Finally, the coconut nougat, also very popular during Christmas, although it is characterized by being a peculiar nougat since coconut tends to be liked by few people. Still, it is very delicious.
Where to buy spanish nougat online?
Nougat are famous throughout the world, in fact, in any country there are typical nougat from the area. Kiwicha in Peru, Nougat in France, Torrone in Italy or Fransk Nougat in Denmark. Each one of them different and with special touches from their native country. But the truth is that any Spaniard always throws “” to his house “”. And like Spanish Christmas nougat, there are very few.
We are aware that many of you will not be able to come on these special dates, you will not be able to meet up with your families and friends, and you will not be able to enjoy those Christmas dinners so characteristic of our country, right?
The truth is that, thanks to the Gastronomic Spain online store, you can buy the best Spanish nougats at a super good price. And not only that, but also any typical Spanish product of our gastronomy, such as cured ham, Spanish chorizo, any type of sausage or any type of appetizer such as pipes that you will not be able to find in your supermarket.
Take advantage of our free shipping offers anywhere in Europe with orders over € 79.99 and enjoy a Christmas as similar to your childhood.ç
Savor the pleasure and… Merry Christmas!
