Marzipan Candy is a typical European treat made from almonds, often coated with chocolate or colored and shaped into fruits, pigs or bars. Marzipan itself is a paste made from ground almonds and sugar. Marzipan has the soft pliable consistency of dough, which allows it to be easily rolled, molded and cut. Marzipan is often used as icing for cakes, a confectionary decoration, a filling for chocolates or eaten on its own as candy.
Many theories exist as to the origins of Marzipan. Some say Marzipan originated in the Orient or the Middle East. Others believe that Marzipan (often misspelled as marzapan) originated in Italy several hundred years ago during a major drought. As a result of this drought, the only substantial crop to survive was the almond crop. Out od need, Italians found all kinds of ways to use and eat almonds and through some trial and error, Marzipan was created. During this time, sugar was rare and expensive, so Marzipan only graced the tables of nobility and the wealthy.
Throughout the world, each country has its traditional uses for Marzipan. The Belgians, experts at chocolate making, got in on the act and have become famous for Marzipan fruits and candies. Italians often paint Marzipan to resemble fruit, while regions in Spain form Marzipan into animal shapes and fill them with egg yolks and sugar. In Germany, Marzipan is molded into the shape of pigs and given as New Years gifts. In England, Marzipan is commonly used to ice fruitcakes.
Today, the German city of Lubeck is known as the Marzipan Capital of the World. Since 1996 “Lubeck Marzipan” has been given protected status by the European Union as a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI). This restricts the production of Lubeck Marzipan to certain areas in the Lubeck region. Lubeck Marzipan also must contain no more that 54.5% sugar. The finest Marzipan made in Lubeck, Germany uses the best Mediterranean almonds, pure sugar and a precise roasting temperature.
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FAQs
Duplo. Europeans love their hazelnut treats, and Germany is no different. One of the most beloved German hazelnut candies is Duplo – chocolate bars with gooey hazelnut cream centers. Or, get your hazelnut cream fix with another popular German candy, Kinder Schoko-Bons.
What is marzipan German candy? ›
German marzipan is made by grinding whole almonds with sugar and partially drying the paste, and French marzipan (called 'massepain') is made by combining ground almonds with sugar syrup. Some marzipan is flavoured with rosewater.
What candy did Germany invent? ›
What candy did Germany invent? The gummy bear was invented by the Bonn entrepreneur Hans Riegel. His company Haribo launched the gummy bear, formerly known as Tanzbären (dancing bears), in 1922.
What is the history of German marzipan? ›
The invention of marzipan is usually attributed to Lübeck, Germany. Legend has it that during a 15th century famine when flour for making bread became scarce, the senate of Lübeck ordered bakers to create a replacement. Using eggs, sugar, and stores of almonds, the clever bakers came up with marzipan.
What is the national sweet of Germany? ›
German Apple Strudel
A real treat for the holiday season, Apple Strudel is delicious and quite easy to make at home. Originally from Austria, it's one of the most popular desserts in Germany, especially in the south.
What is the best marzipan in Germany? ›
Lübecker Marzipan from Lübeck, Germany
The quality requirements of Lübecker Almond Paste Marzipan are set higher than those of conventional almond paste marzipan and are regulated by the RAL German Institute for Quality Assurance and Classification.
What is the old name for marzipan? ›
The term marzipan — from “march pane” — is widely in use now in a number of languages, but an almond and sugar variant known as postre regio in Spain has been traced to at least as early as 1150.
What is the name of the German marzipan cake? ›
Stollen is a yeasted cake from Germany filled with marzipan and flavoured with spices, dried fruit and nuts.
What is the oldest known candy? ›
The first candy was used by the Ancient Egyptians for cult purposes. In ancient times, Egyptians, Arabs, and Chinese made candies with fruits and nuts that caramelized with honey. The two oldest candy types are licorice and ginger. The historical roots of licorice are found in the early years of man's appearance.
What candy was given to soldiers in ww2? ›
During World War II the bulk of Hershey's chocolate was exclusively produced for the U.S. military and distributed to troops around the world. Hershey's created the Tropical Bar in 1943 to be distributed to troops in the Pacific Theater. It weighed 4 ounces and was crafted to withstand extreme heat.
German desserts
| Name | Description |
|---|
| Linzer Auge | |
| Mohnkloß | |
| Muskazine | Made from almonds, spices, sugar, flour, eggs and marzipan. |
| Marmorkuchen | Cake made by lightly mingling two different batters, one dark and one light in color. Marmorkuchen, or marble cake, originated in Germany in the nineteenth century and is popular to this day. |
57 more rowsWhat is Marzipan? Marzipan, also known as almond candy dough, is a smooth and pliable confectionary paste made from almonds that can be used as a cake icing or molded into candies. It features a clay-like consistency that makes it easy to handle.
Is marzipan a German thing? ›
A small city in northern Germany is the capital of marzipan. In Lübeck, the sweet treat is part of the city's long history.
What is an interesting fact about marzipan? ›
This delicacy is made from natural selected almonds, which ensures that all the beneficial substances inherent in almonds are preserved. The word “marzipan” is derived from the German word “Marzipan” or the Italian word “marzapane.” It is believed that the name was given in honor of St. Marcus.
What are the most popular German snacks? ›
Eric Eliason, a folklorist specializing in Mormon traditions, says that Utah scones, funeral potatoes, and green Jell-O are distinctive to Utah. In the 1980s, Jell-O had a marketing campaign promoting the snack as fun for children and easy for parents, which played well among family-oriented Mormons.
What is the famous German chocolate? ›
Reber Chocolate
Opened by Peter Reber in 1865, this Munich-based confectionery company is best known for its tantalizingly sweet and flavorful Reber Mozart-Kugeln. As a traditional German treat, it's already well-loved by those who have lived in or traveled to this European country.
What is the most sold chocolate in Germany? ›
This data depicts the results of a survey conducted in Germany on the number of people consuming the most popular chocolate bars from 2017 to 2020. In 2020, 26.62 million people consumed Milka chocolate, while more than 11.3 million preferred Lindt.
What is the most famous chocolate brand in Germany? ›
Milka is one of the most renowned chocolate brands in Germany and internationally. The eye-catching lilac packaging is easy to spot on any supermarket shelf. Milka was originally founded in Switzerland, but the company is now US-owned, and the chocolate bars have been manufactured in Germany since 1901.
