The Sweet History of Nougat

Nougat, a delightful confection crafted from sugar, honey, and nuts, boasts an ancient and somewhat mysterious origin. While its precise beginnings are unknown, its roots can be traced back to antiquity. The Roman sweet "Nucatum" (from the Latin nux, meaning "nuts"), described by Apicius, provides an early glimpse, with a recipe based on honey, walnuts, and eggs.

Nougat as we know it began to appear in Cremona, Italy, in the early 15th century, where it was known as "Torrone." In the south of France, the word "Nougat" originated from the Old Provençal "nogat," meaning "nut cake," which was also traditionally made with walnuts.

A significant shift occurred around 1650 with the introduction of the almond tree to the Vivarais region of France. This led to Montélimar becoming the renowned center for nougat production, specializing in the almond-based variety that is celebrated worldwide today (as noted in Larousse Gastronomique).