[Nougat de Montelimar]

The French sweet "Nougat" is said to have originally originated from an Arabic sweet. Thanks to the frequent travels of adventurers and merchants, nougat spread throughout the Mediterranean basin. Eventually, in the second half of the 17th century, it appeared in the Drôme department in Provence. The circumstances of its introduction are unknown, but it is certain that Olivier de Sels brought almond trees to the Drôme department at the end of the 16th century. Almonds, an essential ingredient for nougat, were obtained by the residents of the Drôme department. Montélimar, located in the Drôme department, became a famous nougat-producing region. Today, Montélimar's nougat, "le nougat de Montélimar," is a specialty product.

Besides almonds, nougat's other ingredients are honey, egg whites, and sugar. Sometimes pistachios are also used. Despite its firm appearance, whipped egg whites give it a fluffy texture. It's a sweet and delicious treat, similar to soft candy. Montélimar nougat is one of 13 desserts traditionally served on the Provençal Christmas table. Coincidentally, 13 nougat producers currently produce Montélimar nougat.

Would you like to try this Montelimar specialty that has been produced since the 17th century?

By a staff member living in France