If you have just finished celebrating Hanukkah, you have most likely enjoyed some Jordan almonds, whether they were in a candy dish, garnishing your desserts, filling up a favor bag, or hidden in a dreidel. Jordan almonds are nuts encased in a hard candy shell.
Often purchased for the holiday in traditional blues and white, this sweet treat is popular for many happy occasions around the year. The white and light and dark blue candies remind the faithful of the Israeli flag, a prayer cloth, lighting of the Menorah. The candy comes in a variety of colors, in addition to what is available for Hanukkah.
History Of Jordan Almonds
The idea for the candy may have come from the ancient Romans who enjoyed honey-coated nuts and seeds called dragees when children were born or to celebrate marriages. Sugar-coating nuts and encasing them in a hard coating became popular in Europe after the continent was introduced to sugarcane in the 15th century.
Jordan almonds originated in Italy where they were first used at the wedding of Lucrezia Borgia, daughter of Pope Alexander the 7th to Alfonso D’Este, the Duke of Ferrara, symbolism was quickly adopted throughout Europe, in Greece, and in the Middle East. The name does not refer to country of Jordan, but was taken from the French word “jardin,” which means “garden.”
The Symbolism Of Jordan Almonds
The Jordan almond was seen as the union of bittersweet almond with a sweet coating to remind those who enjoyed them that life is full of both hard times and good times. Even though bitter almonds are not available in the U.S., the symbolism is perfect for the Jewish people throughout history. Almonds play an important role in many Jewish celebrations as the nut is considered a symbol of renewal, hope, and happiness.
Also called confetti, the confection is also popular at weddings where guests are often given in groups of five to symbolize health, happiness, fertility, financial stability, and longevity. The sweet treats often come with this poem:
Five sugared almonds for each guest to eat,
To remind us that life is both bitter and sweet.
Five wishes for the new husband and wife—
Health, wealth, happiness, children and a long life!
Pairing Jordan Almonds With Other Candies For Hanukkah
Using blue and white Jordan almonds is traditional for Hanukkah, but if you want to put together a robust gift bag or build a basket, you might want to include other candies and other treats. Here are some suggestions:
- Blue salt water taffy
- Blue gummy bears
- Blue swirly pops
- Silver and Blue Hershey’s kisses
- Caramel balls in blue foil
- Navy blue rock candy sticks
- Blue Sixlets
- Blue M&Ms
- Blue hard candy
- Caribbean or Dark blue coins
- Sour Punch Straws in Bule Raspberry
- Caribbean Blue Dot Buttermints
- Blue gum balls
- Blue jelly beans
- Blue Now or Laters
Sweet Services meets your needs for Jordan almonds for weddings or candy for holidays year around.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.