FAQs
Marzipan is a ready-to-eat sweet treat traditionally found in confectionary shops across Europe. Made from ground almonds, sugar and egg whites, it is often shaped and dyed or painted as realistic fruits and vegetables. Different countries have different marzipan traditions.
What is the marzipan rule? ›
The rule is that only a mass containing at least 50 parts of marzipan (which must be made of at least half almonds and no more than half sugar) and 50 parts of sugars (usually i.e. icing sugar) may be sold and produced under the name marzipan.
Why do some people dislike marzipan? ›
When people say they don't like Christmas cake, often they mean they don't like marzipan. Oddly, the paste elicits strong feelings while its core ingredient, almonds, often don't. For some, it tastes too bitter. “Almonds take you to bitterness, they can stop short, but they take you to bitterness.
What do Americans call marzipan? ›
Almond paste is a fine-ground mixture of half almond and half sugar, or two parts almonds and one part sugar. One type of almond paste is called marzipan.
Do you eat marzipan by itself? ›
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.
Is marzipan any good? ›
Loved by some, detested by others, marzipan is something of marmite in the confectionary world due to its strong almond taste. It's not for everyone, but we think there's a lot to love about this confection, from its sweet, nutty flavour to its versatile use in sculpting.
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.
Who invented mazapan? ›
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 difference between mazapan and marzipan? ›
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.
Is marzipan good or bad for you? ›
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.
Certain cities and regions throughout Europe claim marzipan as a specialty: Spain's Toledo (where it has protected designation of origin status), Portugal's Algarve, Italy's Palermo and Germany's Lübeck.
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 country has the best marzipan? ›
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.
Can you eat out of date marzipan? ›
As long as it is kept cool or refrigerated, marzipan has a long life, months at least. At warm or room temperature the almond content will slowly oxidise and develop off flavours.
What happens if you freeze marzipan? ›
A: If you have only used part of a packet of marzipan and have no immediate use for the left overs, you can tightly wrap the unused marzipan in freezer bags and freeze for up to 6 months. If your packets are unopened you will probably find you don't need to as marzipan naturally has a long shelf life.
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.
What is the tradition 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.
How are you supposed to eat marzipan? ›
You can eat it as-is like candy, or press it into molds to make fun shapes like fruits, stars or animals. It can also be used like fondant as a cake topper or placed between two cake layers to create a flavorful divider.
What is the purpose of marzipan on a cake? ›
The marzipan layer on a wedding or Christmas cake helps to trap moisture in the cake and stop it staling – plus it provides a smooth surface so that the final icing is neater.