Arcadia Spain

Have you noticed that all markets and supermarkets have their stands full of a kind of sweet candies made with almonds, honey, sugar, and even chocolate? The popular sweet Turrones are the typical Spanish dessert during the Christmas holidays.

Nowadays, Turrón comes in a number of different types and flavors, depending on the ingredients used and the method of preparation. The typical ones are made from a mixture of honey, eggs, sugar and, the most important ingredient of all, toasted nuts.  You can distinguish between two types of turrón: the hard and brittle (turrón duro), and the soft and chewy (turrón blando). 

Originally, honey was the ingredient used in its preparation. Sugar was incorporated after the discovery of sugar plantations in South America. This resulted in sugar becoming a more common ingredient in Spanish cuisine.  In Catalonia, the most typical nougat is made with egg yolk and a caramelized crust. Contemporary adaptations are made with chocolate truffle, pistachio, lime, crème brulée, rum, and many other types.

Although the traditional methods of making turrón have evolved and mechanized, there are still a lot of companies that keep the tradition of making it according the traditional recipes and methods. Check this webpage to learn more about them.

But where does Turrón come from? Turrón was introduced in Spain with the Moors, who invaded the country back in the early Middle Ages. In the 15th century we already find several documents talking about this product which was made mainly in two cities: Jijona and Alicante which became the most popular cities in turrón production. In the 16th century, the Spanish aristocracy went crazy about turrón and spread its popularity to all social classes and to other parts of Europe. Over time, this sweet was refined and became the Spain’s most popular Christmas treat.

Here are some of the oldest and best shops that specialize in turrones (“torrons” in Catalan) in Barcelona. I hope you enjoy them!

• Torrons Vicens

La Boquería Market, stalls 405-409

Address: La Rambla 100, El Raval Hours: 6am-9pm; closed Sunday

Web: http://www.vicens.com/  

• Casa Colomina

Address: Carrer Cucurulla 2, Barrio Gótico

Hours: Mon.-Fri. 10am-8:30pm; Sat. 1-8pm; closed Sunday  

• Torrons La Campana

Address: Carrer de la Princesa 36, El Born

Hours: 9am-11pm

Web: http://www.turroneslacampana.com/

• Planelles Donat

Web: http://www.planellesdonat.com/

Address: Carrer Cucurulla 9 (oldest location; no sign), Barrio Gótico

Hours: 10am-10pm

Address: Av. Portal de l’Àngel 27 (green sign overhead), Barrio Gótico

Hours: 10am-1:30pm & 4:30-8pm; closed Sunday