Definition of nougat

The word "nougat" is believed to have originated from the French language. In Old French, the word was "marchpane," which meant a type of confectionery made with honey, almonds, and spices. The Mediterranean region also had similar sweet treats, and one such confection was called "pan de lacoque" or "bread of Lacha," made with candied fruits, almonds, and honey. As crusaders returned to Europe from the Middle East during the medieval period, they brought back recipes for sweet treats like "pan de lacoque." The French version of this confectionery evolved and became known as "noisette," meaning almond. Later, sugar replaced honey as the main sweetener, and the name changed to "nougat." The exact origin of the name "nougat" is not clear, but some theories suggest that it could be derived from the Arabic word "naqiyah" (نقية), meaning pure or white, owing to the sugar being whiter than honey. By the 16th century, nougat had become a popular snack in Europe and was referred to as "dukke de la Chaise Dieu" in French, meaning "God's Chair." The modern-day version of nougat, known as "turron" in Spain, is made with a combination of nuts, honey, and egg whites. Its traditional method of production involves cooking the mixture for hours over a low flame, a technique that still exists in some traditional French and Spanish confectionery shops today. The fascinating history behind the word "nougat" sheds light on the ancient trade routes and cultural exchanges that have shaped the evolution of food traditions over time.