I would like to introduce you to a delicious Mexican candy, which is very popular and belongs to the Mexican culture. The name of this candy is “Acitrón”. Acitrón has been used for many years as a candy for sole consumption, but also for the preparation of various dishes, as well as for religious and medical rituals.
Acitrón is made from the pulp of the Echino cactus. The cactus is also known as “Biznaga”.
EchinocactusDuring the production process, the cactus is freed from its thorns and green skin and the flesh is soaked in a sugar syrup. After about 48 hours the flesh has absorbed enough syrup and you get the yellow candy that can be seen on the photo.
The hard appearing crust of the candy has approximately the consistency of a honeycomb. If you cut it with a knife, you can see the juicy flesh. After only a few seconds the juice starts to crystallize and you get the hard appearing sugar crust.
If you eat Acitrón for the first time, you will be surprised by the soft consistency and the very sweet, slightly fruity but juicy taste.
Unfortunately, the Echino cactus is now threatened with extinction and the sale and consumption of Acitrón is prohibited. On many markets, in the villages of Mexico, you can still find this sweetness regularly.
