National Marzipan Day is celebrated on January 12 each year. Marzipan is a sweet, smooth paste made from ground almonds and sugar, sometimes with egg whites or rosewater. It can be molded into fruits, animals and figures, rolled into sheets to cover cakes, or dipped in chocolate. Marzipan is especially popular in Europe at Christmas and New Year, and it's a favorite of decorators and candy makers.
History of National Marzipan Day
Marzipan's origins are debated. Almonds and sugar were prized ingredients in the medieval Middle East and Persia, and recipes for almond-sugar sweets likely spread to Europe through trade and through the Moorish presence in Spain.
Several places claim marzipan as their own. Toledo, Spain, has made marzipan for centuries, with local legend saying nuns created it during a famine. Lübeck, Germany, became famous for its marzipan, and the Niederegger company, founded there in 1806, still makes it today. In Sicily, colorful marzipan fruits called frutta martorana are traditionally made for All Souls' Day.
In Germany, marzipan pigs, called Glücksschwein, are given at New Year's as a symbol of good luck. In Scandinavia, marzipan is used to cover princess cake. Who created National Marzipan Day is not documented.
Why National Marzipan Day Matters
Marzipan is a delicious link to centuries of European and Middle Eastern culinary traditions.
It's also an edible art medium. Shaping marzipan into fruits and animals lets bakers of any age get creative, much like modeling clay.
Marzipan is naturally gluten-free and works well in baking, from stollen to tarts, making it a versatile ingredient for winter treats.
How to Celebrate National Marzipan Day
- Shape figures: mold marzipan into fruits or animals and paint with food coloring.
- Make chocolate bites: dip marzipan in dark chocolate.
- Bake stollen: try a German Christmas bread with a marzipan center.
- Try a princess cake: cover a sponge cake with green marzipan.
- Make your own: blend almond flour, powdered sugar and a little liquid.
Celebrating at Work, School and Home
At work, share a plate of chocolate-dipped marzipan with coffee. In classrooms, students can use homemade marzipan or modeling dough to sculpt fruits and learn about European holiday traditions; check for nut allergies first. At home, families can shape and paint marzipan fruits or animals together. Store marzipan wrapped tightly so it doesn't dry out.
Fun Facts About National Marzipan Day
- Lübeck's Niederegger has made marzipan since 1806.
- Marzipan pigs are given for luck at New Year's in Germany.
- Marzipan is usually sweeter and smoother than almond paste.
National Marzipan Day FAQs
When is National Marzipan Day?
National Marzipan Day is celebrated on January 12 each year.
What is marzipan made of?
Ground almonds and sugar, sometimes with egg whites, honey or rosewater.
What is the difference between marzipan and almond paste?
Marzipan has more sugar and is smoother, while almond paste is coarser and used in baking.
Where does marzipan come from?
Its origins are debated; Spain, Germany and the Middle East all have long traditions.
Why are marzipan pigs a New Year's tradition?
In Germany, pigs symbolize good luck and prosperity.
Is marzipan gluten-free?
Marzipan is usually gluten-free, but check labels for additives.