FAQs
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 origin of marzipan? ›
Although it is believed to have originated in Persia (present-day Iran) and to have been introduced to Europe through the Turks, there is some dispute between Hungary and Italy over its origin. Marzipan became a specialty of the Baltic Sea region of Germany.
What does the marzipan symbolize? ›
In Russia, marzipan is known from the fairy tales of Andersen, Hoffmann, the Brothers Grimm, where it symbolizes children's happiness and magic. Under the "tsarist regime" marzipan was produced for more than a hundred years. Only very wealthy people could afford a rare gourmet delicacy.
What is so special about marzipan? ›
The glory of marzipan is because it holds a shape easily, you can cut out or mold your own figures to decorate holiday pastries. It's also used as a kind of heavy-duty frosting for Christmas cakes because it helps long-keeping cakes (like fruitcakes) retain their moisture instead of going stale.
What are the traditions of marzipan? ›
In Italy, particularly in Palermo, marzipan (marzapane) is often shaped and painted with food colourings to resemble fruit—Frutta martorana—especially during the Christmas season and on Il Giorno dei Morti (All Souls' Day) on November 2. May 9 and 10 are also special days for eating marzipan in Sicily.
Is marzipan healthy or unhealthy? ›
The best quality marzipan contains less sugar in the raw mix. Good marzipan contains minerals such calcium, potassium and magnesium and is also rich in vitamin B and polyunsaturated fatty acids. On the downside, marzipan is high in fat and in sugar.
Why is marzipan so expensive? ›
Marzipan comes from nuts—it's traditionally made with ground almonds. In order to maintain quality standards, many countries regulate the percentage of almonds a recipe must have for it to be legally called "marzipan." This discourages the use of apricot kernels as a cheap substitute for almonds.
What is the difference between marzipan and mazapan? ›
Mazapán Mexican candy is a cousin of Marzipan, which is made with almonds and sugar. Marzipan originates in Asia and the Middle East. Mazapán is distinctly Mexican in that it replaces the almonds with peanuts, which are of Latin American origin. We add corn, which is, of course, native to Mexico.
Why was marzipan sold in pharmacies? ›
Before marzipan managed to acquire its reputation in Lübeck as a sweet, it was traded exclusively in chemist shops – as a medicinal drug. As early as the year 900, the Persian doctor Rhazes mentioned it in Arab medical texts. Its beneficial effects were mentioned in medieval cookbooks.
What is the German term for marzipan? ›
das Marzipan. (Translation of marzipan from the PASSWORD English–German Dictionary © 2014 K Dictionaries Ltd)
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 are the benefits of eating marzipan? ›
1 Because marzipan is based on almonds, it is a sufficient content of vitamin E, in fact, as in the walnut. This vitamin in nature is a very powerful antioxidant and helps to fight stress and nervous tension.
Why don't almonds taste like marzipan? ›
Compared to almond paste, marzipan has a higher proportion of sugar, which makes it sweeter, smoother, and more pliable—think Play-Doh. It's typically rolled, molded, dyed, and/or shaped (like into these adorable fruits!) and served as its own or used as a decorative element in larger desserts.
What is marzipan called in America? ›
What 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.
Why is marzipan called marzipan? ›
The German name 'marzipan' has supplanted the original English name 'marchpane. ' Some theorise that it originally comes from the Latin 'martius panis', or 'March bread'. Others cite Arabic, Burmese, or Persian as the language of origin. Personally, we think the most important thing is that it's utterly delicious.
What are three uses for marzipan? ›
What Is Marzipan Used For? Marzipan is used in a variety of dessert and candy recipes, including everything from cookies and cakes to truffles and pralines. Marzipan is also often dyed and shaped into miniature fruits to be enjoyed on their own or used to decorate cakes.
What is the difference between almond paste and marzipan? ›
Almond paste has twice the amount of almonds in it compared to marzipan, making it coarser in texture and less sweet than its counterpart. Their consistency also differs as marzipan is smooth and pliable, almost clay-like, while almond paste is somewhat gritty and spreadable, almost like a cookie dough.
Is marzipan a Mexican candy? ›
Mazapán Mexican candy is a cousin of Marzipan, which is made with almonds and sugar. Marzipan originates in Asia and the Middle East.
Why don't Americans like marzipan? ›
However, marzipan isn't especially popular in North America. It's not that we don't like it—because unless you have a nut allergy, who wouldn't like marzipan? —it's just that we don't eat it much. Often, we just sell it as an ingredient called “almond paste,” which strikes me as functional and lacking in romance.
What country has the best marzipan? ›
From Niederegger & Schluckwerder
Schluckwerder also retains their family-run status, and both German product offerings are a sure treat. some of the very best German marzipan. In fact, they are some of the most well-known marzipan producers the world over.