Description
The Turrón de Alicante PGI is hard candy with the basic ingredients: 46% toasted almonds of "Extra" quality and 60% of the "Supreme" quality; 10% pure honey; sugar, egg whites and wafers.
Production Area
Turrón de Alicante PGI is produced in the municipality of Jijona in the province of Alicante in the Autonomous Community of Valencia.
Production Method
Turrón de Alicante PGI is made by first heating the honey and the sugar until it has a consistency to which the other ingredients, toasted almonds and egg white, can be added and mixed. During this phase, the mixture must be continuously stirred. At the same time, the almonds are toasted by heating them on a high heat in metal cylinders. At this point, the egg white and almonds are added and care is taken to stir the mixture by hand so as to distribute the almonds evenly. The candy is weighed while it is still hot, divided into portions and placed in moulds which hold about 6 kg and on which very thin wafers have been laid. Turrón de Alicante PGI is divided mechanically when cold and then wrapped and packed.
Appearance and Flavour
The surface of Turrón de Alicante PGI cannot be seen as it is covered in a fine wafer which melts immediately in the mouth. The centre is evenly distributed with very tasty whole toasted almonds which blend harmoniously with the flavour of the honey.
History
The art of making this type of hard candy is very ancient. There are numerous references to it dating from 1531 onwards mentioning the turrón which was introduced by the Arabs. It has grown from being a home-made sweet to the industry that it has become today.
Gastronomy
Turrón de Alicante PGI is not only eaten at Christmas but it is also used in other special dishes. It can be used in fish dishes (salmon), or used as the main ingredient in biscuits, cakes and desserts in general.
Marketing
The Turrón de Alicante PGI. It is sold in two varieties: Turrón de Alicante PGI Suprema, containing a minimum of 60% almonds and Turrón de Alicante PGI Extra, containing a minimum of 46% almonds. It is sold in individual rectangular tablets of 15 to 90 gr and in rectangular tablets of 100 to 700 gr and for the catering trade, it is available in 6-7 kg units. There is also a round version weighing from 35 to 400 gr.
Distinctive Features
The Turrón de Alicante PGI has a hardness and density rarely achieved in other sweets.
