When Italians think of their Christmas tables, torrone is
always there. In fact, it is not Christmas without one of the region’s oldest
desserts. Italian torrone or nougat is a staple holiday treat to add sweetness
to a festival and tantalize the sweet tooth with a traditional European
confection.
Currently, the food world has different varieties of this
authentic sweet. However, all of them fall under two major categories: Soft and
hard nougat. You can either enjoy it like a candy or let it melt in your mouth.
Generally, the dessert is made using ingredients like honey, sugar, eggs,
almonds, hazelnuts, salt, and lemon. The modern-day Italian torrone may have various other ingredients to
provide the dessert with a unique taste.
Enjoyed for centuries, torrone Italian nougat is a classic confection whose origin
dates back to the Romans. Before chefs worldwide started trying it in their
kitchens, the dessert was limited to a few modern-day European regions. How did
it all start?
You can delve into the sweet’s history, which is filled with
interesting theories around its parentage and journey to become a Christmas
dessert.
History Of Nougat
Determining the exact origin of modern-day nougat is as
tricky as finding the inventor of hot water. History books around traditional
European dishes are filled with many write-ups around the first recipe of
torrone, and most of these pieces are throwing lights on different origin
places.
Some historians link the history of nougat to Cristoforo di
Messisbugo’s work in the 16th century, while others trace the confection back
to the Romans. There are food historians who noticed the classic confection in
the ancient writings of the Roman epicure. A 4th-century AD cookbook, De Re
Coquinaria, described a dish made of walnuts, eggs, and honey. It was similar
to several Arabian food items without eggs.
The first Italian nougat (torrone) is said to be created in Cremona in the 15th century. The dish was
prepared for a wedding. The unique dessert was given the shape of the bell
tower of the Cremona cathedral, which was popularly known as Torrione at that
time. Historians believe the dish at the wedding celebration was the first
torrone, which was named after the bell tower.
Modern-day Italian Nougat
Torrone has been a part of Italian cuisine for many years,
and people in many European countries consider it a staple Christmas dessert.
Cremona, which is said to be the home of Italian soft nougat, holds the annual Festa del Torrone, which takes place in
November each year.
During the annual Festa del Torrone, dozens of counters let
attendees taste different types of torrone- including gelato, chocolate,
pistachio, coffee, and others. The festival also celebrates the wedding of
Francesco Sforza and Bianca Maria Visconti, which took place in 1441.
Apart from Cremona, torrone is a popular sweet in all
corners of Italy.
Where To Get Nougat?
Although Italy is the best place to taste the dessert made
using traditional recipes, you can enjoy it at your home. There are several
popular Italian brands that prepare different types of nougat products and
supply them to different parts of the world. You can reach the nearest Italian
confectionary or an online store to buy the famous torrone.
When you are buying torrone, make sure the product is made
by a well-known Italy-based brand.
In The End
Italian nougat (torrone) is a staple Christmas treat, but
you can get it anytime to add a little sweetness to your table. Get the product
from a reputed Italian online store and munch on the traditional sweet.
