Turrón: Spain’s Sweet Tradition of Christmas Delight. Flavors of Spain as the perfect holiday gift

trastiendamarket
Nov 9
3 min read

A typical Spanish sweet table where you can indulge with the most traditional treats from Polvorones and Mazapanes to a wide variety of Turrones. Perfect to indulge or as a holiday gift.

Few Spanish treats capture the spirit of the holidays quite like Turrón (Nougat). This delicious sweet has been gracing Spanish tables for centuries, bringing sweetness, craftsmanship, and a touch of nostalgia to every Christmas celebration. At Trastienda Market, we honor this timeless tradition by offering authentic turrones made with the finest ingredients — from artisanal producers who still follow age-old recipes.

A Taste of History

The story of turrón dates back to medieval Spain, with roots in the Moorish influence that shaped much of Iberian cuisine. Historians trace its origin to Jijona (Alicante), where almonds and honey — two ingredients beloved in Arabic confectionery — were blended into a sweet, dense nougat. Over time, it became a staple of Spanish Christmas celebrations, symbolizing abundance, unity, and the sweetness of family gatherings.

By the 16th century, turrón was already being served in royal banquets and mentioned in Spanish literature. Today, it remains a cherished part of Spain’s culinary heritage.

A Tradition That Unites Generations

Every winter, Spanish families gather to share turrón along with polvorones and mazapanes. It’s a treat that bridges generations — a piece of nostalgia for grandparents and a joyful discovery for children. Whether enjoyed after dinner or gifted to loved ones, turrón embodies the warmth and generosity of the Spanish holiday spirit.

Types of Turrón: Soft, Hard, and Beyond

Not all turrones are created equal! Here are some of the most beloved varieties you’ll find in Spain — and at Trastienda Market:

Turrón de Jijona (Soft): creamy, smooth, and melt-in-your-mouth, this version is made by grinding roasted almonds and blending them with honey and egg white. Think of it as almond butter meets nougat — rich and comforting.
Turrón de Alicante (Hard): the classic crunchy kind — whole toasted almonds bound by honey and egg white, then cut into golden bars. Each bite offers that satisfying snap.
Turrón de Yema Tostada (Toasted Egg Yolk): a more decadent, custard-like turrón, finished with a caramelized top — reminiscent of crème brûlée.
Chocolate and Modern Varieties: from dark chocolate with sea salt to pistachio and orange zest, modern artisans are reimagining turrón while preserving its soul.

Different Turrón types available at Trastienda Market — Types of Turrón: from right to left we have soft Jijona, hard Alicante and tosted egg yolk.

Homemade Turrón de Jijona Recipe

Want to try making your own soft turrón at home? Here’s a simple, traditional recipe.

Ingredients:

2 cups roasted almonds (peeled)
½ cup honey
½ cup sugar
1 egg white
Lemon zest (optional)

Instructions:

In a saucepan, gently heat honey and sugar until dissolved.
Add ground almonds and lemon zest, stirring to form a thick paste.
Beat the egg white until soft peaks form, then fold it into the almond mixture.
Cook over low heat for 5–10 minutes until the paste thickens and leaves the sides of the pan.
Pour into a parchment-lined mold, flatten, and let it set overnight.
Slice and enjoy with coffee, cava, or a drizzle of dark chocolate.

Homemade turrón may not be as perfectly smooth as the artisanal versions from Jijona — but it will be just as full of love.

Find the perfect Holiday Gift- Discover Authentic Turrón at Trastienda Market

At Trastienda Market we bring you the finest turrones from Spain, made by traditional producers who preserve centuries of craftsmanship. Whether you crave the classic Alicante crunch or the creamy indulgence of Jijona, each bite tells a story of heritage, honey, and almonds — a true flavor of Spain.