Approaches October, the purple month and one of the customs that thousands of Peruvians have is the consumption of the famous Doña Pepa nougat that like no other time of the year can be found in most stores around the Peru.
The soup based on flour, toasted anise, sesame, chancaca honey and sprinkles is essential at the table during the purple month. However, the combination of its ingredients contains high levels of calories that can cause health problems.
An excess consumption can be harmful and more in those people who suffer from overweight, diabetes and cholesterol problems. For this reason, the EsSalud nutritionist, Karen Calero, recommends that it be consumed in moderation since a kilo of nougat is equivalent to 40 loaves with butter.
“It is inevitable not to eat a piece of nougat on those dates, it must be consumed in moderation and removing the excess honey and candies that cover the traditional dessert”, the specialist comments, according to the Andina agency.
In addition, 125 grams of nougat is equivalent to eating 8 loaves. But that’s not all, the traditional dessert, in turn, has saturated fats that when consumed in excess increases the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, one of the main causes of death in the world.
It should be noted that the excess sugar contained in this stew raises blood glucose levels, so it can cause diabetes or harm those who already suffer from it.
For all the aforementioned, it is worth asking yourself: How much would it be advisable to eat? The nutritionist recommends consuming a portion that does not exceed 25 grams equivalent to two loaves with butter to avoid reaching obesity or other disease.
Also, it is suggested that, before buying a nougat, the expiration date is verified, that the product is well sealed and that each package contains a sanitary registration to guarantee its consumption.
Undoubtedly, Doña Pepa’s nougat has become a culinary heritage of our nation and an unavoidable sweet during the month of October while the largest religious demonstrations in Peru take place.
ORIGIN OF THE DOÑA PEPA NOUGAT
According to what can be known, the nougat was born in the seventeenth century. The story goes back to a slave by name Josefa Marmanillo placeholder image who lived in Cañete and was known for her great talent in the kitchen. Unfortunately, a strange illness paralyzed his arms, which prevented him from continuing to work. It was for this reason that he was granted freedom.
This situation made his faith and belief in the miracles of the Lord of Pachacamilla, better known as the Lord of Miracles or Cristo Morado, increase. Josefa traveled to Lima to find a cure for her health problem.
According to legend, Marmanillo brought the nougat to the image of Cristo Morado for the first time, offering it to him and shortly after, on his return to Cañete, he claimed to be cured of all ills. It was in his honor and out of gratitude that he created this famous dessert.
Since then, every October, the popular “Doña Pepa”, came to Lima to continue offering her dessert not only to the Lord of Miracles but to the rest of Lima who wanted to try it and it became one of the greatest traditions to culinary level.
KEEP READING