Marzipan Confections

Handcrafted Edible Delights

A Brief History of Marzipan
and Marzipan Confections

Marzipan appears to have its origins in the Middle East, possibly introduced to Europe by returning Crusaders in the 13th century. By the 14th century, marzipan had found its way through much of Europe. At the time, sugar was a scarce and expensive commodity, and marzipan was typically found only at the tables of the affluent and nobility.

In the city of Lubeck, Germany, marzipan production is believed to have begun in the 15th century; Lubeck has since become renowned as the Marzipan Capital of the World. The term "Lubeck Marzipan" has even been given protected status by the European Union (EU). Coincidentally, Lubeck is a "Sister City" with Spokane, where Marzipan Confections is located.

In accordance with the EU's "Protected Geographical Indication" status, "Lubeck" marzipan can only be manufactured by certain recognized companies within the Lubeck area, with strict limitations on the sugar content. "Lubeck Edelmarzipan" is restricted to a sugar content not higher than 41.5%, and "Lubeck Marzipan" not higher than 54.5%. Products must have a sugar content not higher than 67.5% to legally be deemed marzipan. In Germany, as in our own production, the quality of marzipan is taken seriously.

Our marzipan is made using the recipe created by Edith and Joe Nendl, the founders of Marzipan Confections. Joe is from eastern Austria, and Edith is from Bremen, Germany, where she worked in the bakery her grandfather started a century ago. The Nendls met in Venezuela where Joe served a strict 3½ year apprenticeship, not receiving any pay, only room and board. As part of his training under a Swiss pastry chef, Joe learned the labor-intensive art of making marzipan from scratch, blanching and peeling the almonds, mixing the almond paste by hand, blending it with the proper amount of sugar and forming and painting the marzipan shapes.

At Marzipan Confections, we strictly maintain the Nendl's recipe. Following that recipe, the sugar content in our marzipan is approximately 60%, slightly higher than "Lubeck Marzipan." Many of our customers who are marzipan aficionados tell us it is the perfect mix of almonds and sugar, not overly sweet, full of the flavor of fresh almonds, the best marzipan they have ever tasted.

Marzipan has been enjoyed for centuries by many cultures because of its delightful flavor and its ability to be formed into almost any shape. It has been a staple in the holiday traditions and celebrations of many European countries and cultures and it has come to be enjoyed all over the world.

Please, treat yourself, and some of your friends too, to these eye appealing and mouth watering old world treats right now... you deserve it.