Two theories supported by historians add even more magic to this sweet treat.
About its history
However, going further back, there is little certainty. On one hand, it is said that the true marzipan is of Arabic origin, as described in the Arabian Nights, and it is described as being used during Ramadan hardships or as an aphrodisiac; the European version is basically a variation.
On the other hand, we also know of a similar preparation in ancient Greece, where a paste of almonds and honey was made. However, it was during the Christian era that it became part of Easter preparations. Anyway, let's explore the most recent theories.
Toledo was one of the multicultural and multi-religious cities where Christians, Jews, and Muslims coexisted in perfect harmony, and they would continue to do so for a few centuries.
It is therefore not surprising that the invention of marzipan, as we know it today, is more or less a variation of an Arabic sweet.
Another story
According to another theory, marzipan was invented in 1193. An Italian noblewoman of noble descent, Eloisa Martorana, commissioned the construction of a convent in Sicily, which was named after her.
The nuns of this convent were of Greek origin and dedicated their time to making a paste based on sugar and almonds, which they later shaped into miniatures of animals or fruits.
They then painted them in vibrant colors with different natural dyes, including extracts from roses, saffron, and pistachios.
Marzipan became so popular in Spain that, during the Spanish colonization period, the treat was exported to various countries under Spanish rule, such as many countries in South America and some islands in Southeast Asia.
As a result, some countries have developed their own varieties of sweets, which mainly vary depending on the type of nuts used. In Guatemala, it is essential to use almonds, sugar, and cinnamon for its preparation.
