Every year on January 12, one of the sweet days of the year – International Marzipan Day is celebrated. It traces its history back to the United States and is established to raise people's awareness of such an unusual treat as marzipan.
Marzipan (German. Marzipan, Italian. Marzapane, Spanish. Mazapán) – is a confection made from finely ground almonds mixed with sugar syrup or powder. Honey or corn syrup for «viscosity», almond oil or almond extract – can also be added to it to enhance the taste. Sometimes marzipan is a similar « product» made from other nuts, for example – made from pistachios or hazelnuts.
Opinions on the history of the appearance of this sweet among experts are divided. According to one version, the most popular, the homeland of marzipan is Persia, according to another, – marzipan is of Arab origin. The first documentary mention of marzipan is found in sources from the 6th and 7th centuries in the territory of modern Iran. But, as is commonly believed, this sweet was brought to Europe in the 11th century, during the Crusades, by Arab traders. But Spain also claims to be the Motherland of Marzipan –, according to archival documents authored by Don Clemente Palencia Flores (archivist of the municipality of Toledo), marzipan was invented in the monastery of San Clemente de Toledo in 1212; as well as other European countries – France, Germany, Italy, Estonia and Hungary.
Be that as it may, already in the 19th century this sweet was widely known and popular in many European countries. The German (Lübeck and Königsberg) marzipan was especially valued. By the way, the cities of Lübeck and Tallinn have still preserved these traditions and produce marzipan of the highest class with a certain amount of almonds (which is one of the indicators of product quality).
Moreover, marzipan was valued not only for its taste, but it was also believed that it was a cure for mental disorders, as it had a beneficial effect on the nervous system. By the way, according to modern doctors, almonds (which make up marzipan) have analgesic and antiseptic qualities, improve brain activity, and normalize the functions of the nervous system.
And currently this sweet does not give up its position and has many fans around the world. And since marzipan looks like a flexible plastic mass, it is often used not only as an independent treat in the form of various figures, but also in other confectionery products. For example, as a filling for chocolates, as an additive to desserts, or for decorating cakes and pastries. And in Western European countries, marzipan – is an integral symbol of Christmas. It is used to make Christmas figurines and used in holiday pies. In Germany, – is the famous stollen.
Therefore, it is not surprising that such a holiday as Marzipan Day has appeared in the world. For some, this is another reason to treat themselves to sweets, and for others, – prolongs the atmosphere of Christmas. So you join the celebration – buy something «marzipan» in your favorite pastry shop, or maybe try this sweet for the first time. If you are a born cook –, prepare it yourself and involve your family or friends in this process. DIY marzipan figurines will give your holiday a special atmosphere... And to find out what marzipan delicacies prepared by real masters of different years look like, you can visit the Marzipan Museums, which exist in different countries – especially many of their cities in Hungary, no less famous museums of this sweetness in Tallinn (Estonia), Lübeck (Germany) and Kaliningrad (Russia).