Get ready to satisfy your sweet tooth because National Nougat Day is just around the corner! Celebrated on March 26th every year, this day is all about indulging in the soft and chewy or sometimes hard and crunchy candy that is often found at the center of a candy bar.
Whether you’re a fan of nougat candy bars or just love the sweet treat in general, National Nougat Day is the perfect excuse to enjoy this delicious confection. It has been around since the ancient Roman era. It is made by combining whipped egg whites with either honey or sugar, roasted nuts, and sometimes even candied fruit.
In this article, we’ll explore the history of National Nougat Day, learn more about the different types of nougat, and discover some fun ways to celebrate this sweet holiday. So, grab a nougat candy bar and let’s dive in!
What is National Nougat Day?
National Nougat Day is a fun food holiday celebrated annually on March 26th. This day is dedicated to celebrating the delicious and chewy candy that is often found at the center of candy bars. Nougat is a sweet confection made from sugar, honey, nuts, and egg whites. It can be soft and chewy or hard and crunchy, depending on the recipe.
The origins of National Nougat Day are unclear, but it is believed to have been created by candy lovers who wanted to celebrate this often-overlooked treat. This day provides an opportunity for people to indulge in their love for nougat and try out new recipes or flavors.
On National Nougat Day, people celebrate by enjoying nougat in all its forms. Some people may choose to make their own nougat at home, while others may opt to try out new brands or flavors of nougat candy. Whatever your preference, National Nougat Day is the perfect excuse to indulge in this sweet treat.
History of Nougat
Nougat is a sweet confectionery that has been enjoyed for over a thousand years. It is believed to have originated in the Middle East, where it was first mentioned in Arabic manuscripts dating back to the 10th century.
Two types of nougat exist. White nougat originated in 7th century Spain and brown nougat originated in 18th century France. While white nougat is prepared by blending egg whites and honey, brown nougat has a distinct texture that is firm and crunchy.
Nougat is a popular component of Christmas meals in Southern Europe. It also appears in many candy bars in the US and UK and is made differently than traditional recipes, with sucrose and corn syrup aerated with whipping agents and sometimes combined with nuts, caramel, or chocolate.
In Britain, it is usually made in the style of the southern European varieties, and in Taiwan, it is made with milk powder, sugar, cream, protein, nuts, dried fruit, and petals. French European nougat is made with sugar or honey, egg whites, and almonds/nuts.
| Topic | History of Nougat |
|---|---|
| Origins | Believed to have originated in the Middle East, mentioned in Arabic manuscripts dating back to the 10th century |
| Types | White nougat originated in 7th century Spain, prepared by blending egg whites and honey. Brown nougat originated in 18th century France, has a firm and crunchy texture |
| Popularity | Popular component of Christmas meals in Southern Europe, appears in many candy bars in the US and UK |
| Modern variations | Made differently than traditional recipes, sucrose and corn syrup aerated with whipping agents, sometimes combined with nuts, caramel, or chocolate |
| Regional variations | In Britain, made in the style of the southern European varieties. In Taiwan, made with milk powder, sugar, cream, protein, nuts, dried fruit, and petals. French European nougat is made with sugar or honey, egg whites, and almonds/nuts. |
How to Celebrate National Nougat Day
Bake Nougat Desserts
One of the best ways to celebrate National Nougat Day is by baking your own nougat desserts. You can try your hand at making homemade nougat candy bars, nougat cakes, or even nougat ice cream!
Besides the ones we’ve linked to here, there are plenty of recipes available online, so find one that suits your taste and give it a try.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even experiment with adding different flavors and textures to your nougat desserts.
Nougat Varieties
Traditional Nougat
The classic nougat, also referred to as white nougat, follows a traditional recipe that involves combining whipped egg whites and honey. Roasted nuts, like almonds, hazelnuts, or pistachios, are added to the mixture, and occasionally, candied fruit is also incorporated.
This nougat has a soft and chewy texture, and it is often enjoyed during the holiday season in countries like Spain, Italy, and France.
Chocolate Nougat
Chocolate nougat is a variation of traditional nougat, but with the addition of cocoa powder or melted chocolate. This nougat is perfect for chocolate lovers who want a sweet and chewy treat with a chocolatey twist.
Fruit Nougat
Fruit nougat, also known as Torrone, is a variation of traditional nougat that includes a mix of dried fruits like figs, apricots, and cherries.
This nougat has a chewy texture and a fruity flavor that complements the sweetness of the nougat. It is often enjoyed during the holiday season in Italy.
| Variety | Description | Texture | Popular in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional Nougat | Whipped egg whites and honey with roasted nuts, occasionally with candied fruit | Soft and chewy | Spain, Italy, and France during holiday season |
| Chocolate Nougat | Traditional recipe with addition of cocoa powder or melted chocolate | Sweet and chewy with a chocolatey twist | Chocolate lovers |
| Fruit Nougat (Torrone) | Mix of dried fruits like figs, apricots, and cherries with traditional nougat recipe | Chewy with a fruity flavor | Italy during holiday season |
I’m Griffin and I make my living as a freelance writer and wannabe sci fi author. Besides my obsession with words, I have a few others which may or may not include craft beer, backcountry hikes and spending time with loved ones – preferably in that order. Thanks for checking out my work and I hope you enjoy it!
