Turron 1880 isn’t just a benchmark for high-quality Christmas sweets; it represents the history, tradition, and culture of Spanish nougat. Originating in Jijona, this brand has spent centuries perfecting its recipe, winning over taste buds not only in Spain but worldwide.
One of the most fascinating aspects of Turrones 1880 is its deep respect for tradition. Founded in 1725, the company has maintained the same artisanal process over generations. While they’ve introduced some innovations over the years, the essence that made them famous as the “world’s most expensive nougat” remains unchanged.
Key Features of Turrones 1880
Turrones 1880 stands out as a premium product in the world of nougat. Each component is carefully selected to guarantee an exceptional quality experience. Here are some of the main features:
1. 100% Natural Ingredients
One of the trademarks of Turrones 1880 is its exclusive use of high-quality, natural ingredients. Marcona almonds, pure orange blossom honey, and egg whites are combined to create a product free from additives and preservatives.
2. High Proportion of Marcona Almonds
Turrones 1880 nougat contains a high proportion of Marcona almonds, one of the most prized varieties for its smooth and delicate flavour. In the case of Jijona nougat, this proportion exceeds 64%, ensuring an incomparable texture and taste.
3. Artisanal Craftsmanship
Despite its international fame, Turrones 1880 continues to maintain its traditional artisanal process, passed down through generations. This ensures that each bar retains the authentic flavour and texture characteristic of traditional Jijona nougat.
4. “Suprema” Quality Certification
The “Suprema” quality label distinguishes Turrones 1880 for its high content of almonds and honey, ensuring it’s a top-tier gourmet product.
5. Variety of Flavours and Formats
While the classic Jijona and Alicante nougats remain the most famous, Turrones 1880 has innovated with new flavours and formats, including sugar-free nougats and chocolate varieties to cater to different tastes and preferences.
The Origins and History of Turrones 1880
The story of Turrones 1880 begins in Jijona, a small town in Alicante, world-renowned for nougat production. In this region, the combination of honey, almonds, and egg whites has created one of the most iconic delights of Spanish gastronomy.
The name “1880” was adopted in the 19th century when the brand wanted to highlight its long history during a boom period for the nougat industry. The Sirvent family, who founded the company, has been instrumental in preserving traditional techniques, making 1880 synonymous with superior quality.
Fun Facts You Didn’t Know About Turrones 1880
1. The Most Expensive Nougat in the World
Turrones 1880 is not only famous for its unmatched taste but also for its exclusivity. In fact, their Jijona nougat is known as the “world’s most expensive nougat” due to the high-quality ingredients it uses. Only the finest Marcona almonds and 100% pure orange blossom honey are used, making it a true gourmet experience.
2. The “Suprema” Quality Label
A key secret behind Turrones 1880 is its “Suprema” certification. This label isn’t easy to obtain: to be considered “Suprema,” the nougat must contain at least 64% almonds in the case of Jijona or Alicante varieties, far surpassing standard market offerings. This ensures a unique texture, flavour, and aroma.
3. Evolving Through the Centuries
Although its recipe remains close to the original, Turrones 1880 has adapted to modern times. Today, they offer a wide variety of products that go beyond the classic Jijona and Alicante nougats. From sugar-free nougat to chocolate varieties, 1880 continues to innovate without losing its artisanal identity.
4. International Reach and Awards
The prestige of Turrones 1880 has reached such heights that their products are distributed globally. You can find them in gourmet shops in countries as far away as Japan and the United States. They have also been awarded multiple times for their quality and taste, being recognised at high-level gastronomy events.
Turrones 1880: A Unique Artisanal Process
The production of Turrones 1880 maintains an artisanal approach that has been perfected over centuries. It all starts with selecting Marcona almonds, one of the most prized varieties for their soft taste and fine texture. These almonds are carefully roasted to release their full aroma and potential.
Next, they are mixed with orange blossom honey, which gives the nougat its characteristic sweetness and floral aroma. Unlike other brands that might use lower-quality honey, 1880 ensures the use of 100% pure honey, which influences the final flavour. After this, the nougat is kneaded and left to rest so that the flavours integrate perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Turrones 1880
Where Do Turrones 1880 Come From?
Turrones 1880 originated in Jijona, Alicante, in 1725 when the Sirvent family began making nougat using traditional methods. The “1880” name was adopted in the 19th century to highlight the company’s centenary legacy.
What Ingredients Do Turrones 1880 Use?
Turrones 1880 is renowned for using only the highest quality ingredients, such as Marcona almonds, pure orange blossom honey, egg whites, and sugar. They avoid using preservatives or artificial additives, ensuring a 100% natural product.
Are Turrones 1880 Really the Most Expensive Nougat in the World?
Yes, the Jijona nougat from 1880 is known as one of the most expensive due to the high quality of its ingredients, especially Marcona almonds, which are much more costly than other varieties. Additionally, the artisanal production process increases its value.
Where Can I Buy Turrones 1880?
Turrones 1880 can be found in gourmet stores worldwide, as well as in major supermarkets during the Christmas season. They can also be purchased through their official online store and other e-commerce platforms specialising in gourmet products.
Are There Sugar-Free Versions of Turrones 1880?
Yes, in response to demand for healthier options, Turrones 1880 has developed a line of sugar-free products, maintaining the same quality and unrivalled taste as their traditional versions.
Conclusion
Turrones 1880 is not just a typical Christmas treat but a culinary masterpiece that has endured through centuries. Its tradition, respect for natural ingredients, and artisanal process make it a true gastronomic treasure. From its origins in Jijona to its global distribution, 1880 remains synonymous with quality, luxury, and Christmas tradition.
