Marzipan a Historical Glimpse

Marzipan is a culinary paste created of ground almonds and sugar, which is sculpted into shapes.

The general assumption is that marzipan originated in the Middle East, possibly from Persia, present day Iran where it was served at the caliph’s table. It was introduced to Europe in the late middle ages.

In Europe Marzipan became a dessert on the noblest dinner tables and it served as a luxury gift for the empire’s highest dignitaries.

Because of the expense and short supply of sugar during the Middle Ages, only the nobility and royalty could afford such sweet luxuries as marzipan. As sugar became more prevalent and less expensive, marzipan became more available to everyone.

 At one point in the history of marzipan, in the 18th century ,
 marzipan was produced by chemists and considered an effective healing remedy so it was relegated to the shelves of pharmacies as a medicine.

 Marzipan has been enjoyed for centuries by many cultures because of its delightful flavor and its ability to be formed into almost any shape.

 Marzipan has been a staple in the holiday traditions and celebrations of many countries. Throughout the holidays, marzipan makes an appearance in various forms, depending on the country and region. In Italy, marzipan is frequently shaped and colored to represent fruit. In Spain, marzipan is often shaped into animals. On New Year’s Day, Germans offer good luck for the coming year by gifting family and friends with marzipan pigs.

 In the Middle East, almond paste (known as lozina which comes from “لوز laws”, the Arabic word for almonds) is flavored with rose water and shaped before it is baked. But Marzipan is generally made with a higher ratio of sugar to almonds than almond paste. And similar to lozina it is flavored with rose water and usually shaped into roses..But it’s not baked. It would be great for weddings.

 The molded shape captures attention initially, but when the sweet flavor meets the tongue the taste cannot be resisted.

  Approximate values per  (15-g) serving: Calories 60, Total fat 2 g, Saturated fat 0g, Cholesterol 0mg, Sodium 0mg, Total carbohydrates 10g, Protein 1g.

Our marzipan

Pure grounded almond paste, sugar and rosewater… all combined to make a soft texture of marzipan allowing the mixture to be molded into fantastic shapes depending on the celebration.

 Marzipan can be transformed from a simple rose shape filled with pieces of pistachio into variations on the marzipan theme with chocolate, dried fruit or a thin layer of marzipan rolled over pistachio paste to make tasty fingers of marzipan.