Nougat

Nougat is a family of confections made with sugar or honey, roasted nuts (such as almonds, walnuts, pistachios, hazelnuts, and macadamia nuts), whipped egg whites, and sometimes chopped candied fruit. It is characterized by its chewy texture and sweet flavor.

There are various types of nougat, broadly categorized into two main styles:

• White Nougat (Italian: torrone, Spanish: turrón, French: nougat blanc): This is the most common type and features a light, almost fluffy texture achieved by incorporating whipped egg whites. It is typically white or off-white in color and often contains a higher proportion of nuts.

• Brown Nougat (French: nougat noir): This type does not contain egg whites and has a firmer, denser texture. The color is typically darker due to the caramelization of the sugar or honey used in its preparation.

Nougat has a long history, with variations existing in different cultures for centuries. Some believe its origins can be traced back to ancient Persia and the Middle East. It has since become a popular treat worldwide, especially during holidays such as Christmas.

Production methods vary depending on the specific recipe and regional traditions. Generally, the sugar or honey is cooked to a specific temperature, then the whipped egg whites (if used) are incorporated. Roasted nuts and other ingredients are added, and the mixture is then poured into molds to cool and set.