Turron de Doña Pepa
October 20, 09 by Sergio Reyna
On last sunday 18th while thousands of devotees were worshipping the icon of the Lord of the Miracles (for more info please refer to previous post) around downtown Lima, hundreds of chefs gathered a few miles away from there and prepared one of the biggest turrón de Doña Pepa ever, which measured over 300 mt (984 ft) of length.
Associated with the Coloured Christ procession, the turrón de Doña Pepa has turned out to be part of this traditional feast held in the city of Lima during october, the purple month. Nowadays, nevertheless, the flavour of this dessert can be enjoyed not only in october but all year round in this city.
Let us give it a try
After cutting the soft and sticky paste with a knife, I indulge myself eating the upper layer. This cover is filled up with a lot of candies or grageas and drenched in syrup made with molasses or chancaca and fruits such as apples, quinces, oranges and pineapples. I also take a bite of one of the figs encrusted on the honey. When I eat the last two layers, I feel the flavour of sesame and anise seeds. Honestly, i’ve got a crush on sweetness, so i can not help trying another piece of pastry. Please hold on a minute.
Thanks! Let us go back to the post.
Doña is a title which means Mrs and Pepa is a nickname for Josefa (the same happens to José to whom we call Pepe). That was the name of the coloured woman who prepared turrón for the first time to venerate the image of Jesus.
Ricardo Palma a peruvian author that wrote the Tradiciones Peruanas states that around the beginning of the 19th century limeños knew the precise hour thanks to street vendors who offered their products at fixed schedule. “A las tres (de la tarde) la turronera clamoreaba con más puntualidad que la Mari-Angola de la Catedral” (in Con Dias y Ollas Venceremos). To date that old custom is gone forever, fortunately, so that you do not have to wait until 3pm to try it.
On the other hand, about 20 to 30 years ago you could only find it in october, but nowadays it is sold all year round. Not only at stores, but also at supermarkets and even at gas stations. However, the traditional place to cater and buy turrón is on the third and fourth blocks of Tacna avenue, a few blocks from the main square in downtown Lima. There a few young women invite you to taste a slice of the dessert. The price range goes from 10 to 15 soles per kilo and it lasts long enough for you to bring some home. You can also buy 1/2 and 1/4 kilo.
The sweet flavour of this popular dessert is also present in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Italy, France, Germany, Sweden, Switzerland, Austria, Luxemburg as well as in Japón.
Further information:
Sergio backpacker
Phone number: 0051-84232520
