Jordan almonds are roasted almonds coated in a hard sugar shell, traditionally used as party favors and given at weddings to symbolize the bittersweet nature of marriage. They have Middle Eastern origins and are believed to be aphrodisiacs. They are sold in grocery stores and should be stored in a cool, dry place.
Jordan almonds are almonds that are roasted and then coated in a hard sugar shell, which is traditionally white or pastel in color. Many people are familiar with Jordan almonds in the form of party favors, although they are also used on other holidays in some regions of the world. Sweets are a form of dragée, a pastry traditionally consisting of nuts covered in a hard shell. In addition to being edible, a dragée also has symbolic meaning, although these meanings vary around the world.
The exact origins of Jordanian almonds are not entirely clear. Candied nuts have been handed out at weddings in the Middle East for centuries, and it’s certainly possible that Jordan almonds are rooted in Middle Eastern tradition. In the Middle Ages, sugared almonds and similar sweets were very common at weddings, especially in Italy and France. These first Jordan almonds would have been sweetened with honey, rather than sugar, which was not widely available until late in history.
According to some traditions, Jordan almonds are handed out at weddings because they symbolize the bittersweet nature of marriage, along with wishes for sweetness and well-being for the couple. The almonds themselves tend to be slightly bitter when first picked, while the candy coating tempers the bitterness with sweetness. In the Middle East and parts of Italy, almonds from Jordan are also believed to be borderline aphrodisiacs, promoting fertility and a happy married life.
In many cases, Jordan almonds are distributed in odd numbers, as an odd number cannot be divided in two. This represents a hope that the marriage will be successful and that the couple will stay together despite any bittersweet trials they may face. Jordan Almonds can also appear at notable events such as anniversaries, birthdays, and graduations, with an assortment of colorful coatings depending on the event. Metallic siding, for example, is often used for anniversaries.
Many grocery stores and candy purveyors sell Jordanian almonds. When almonds are used as wedding favors, they can be wrapped in small envelopes and tied with a ribbon, or they can be scattered on the tables at a reception. Almonds should be stored in a cool, dry place so the candy coating doesn’t melt or warp, and they’re usually good for about six months to a year. Using an airtight container is also a great idea, as almonds can start to taste slightly stale and bitter if they’re exposed to excessive air during storage.
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