Description
Marzipan is a confection made by grinding almonds into a fine paste and mixing with sugar or honey, then heating to dissolve the sugar and achieve proper crystallization.
Technical
During heating, the sugar dissolves in the almond paste forming a syrup that reaches the B1 stage (~160–170 °C), where the sugar crystallizes into a fine, stable network. The protein and fat from almonds act as emulsifiers, stabilizing the sugar crystals and preventing graininess. Cooling to 60–70 °C allows the mixture to set into a pliable dough suitable for shaping.
Science
Primary Reaction
Syrup heating and sugar crystallization (B1 stage)
Sensory Profile
Aroma ()
almondsweetbutterynuttywarmhoneyedcaramelizedfloralspicedearthy