Candies and colors of Mexico

There is a great passion in Mexico for culinary art and desserts are a fundamental part of it, especially the typical candies that are so representative and unmistakable due to their colorful wrappers that can be found in any market in the country. Alegrías (amaranth candy), palanquetas (peanut candy) and merengues (sugar candy) flood the memories of many generations who lived their childhoods full of these artisanal treasures and that every tourist must enjoy as an obligation. There are many shapes and flavors for all tastes, they vary depending on the region.

To the north, to be exact in Nuevo León, the «Glorias» were born, incredibly famous for their red cellophane wrapper; they are made from cow’s or goat’s milk and sweetened with corn syrup and vanilla. It is important to mention that the milk must be «rough», that is, it comes directly from the animal without further processing, since this enriches its unique flavor. Towards the southeast, in Guadalajara, it is common to have the after-meal as a family sharing a delicious «Dulce de Guayaba» (guava candy). It can well be served with cheese or caramel sauce since its flavor combines perfectly with these two elements.

Another autochthonous candy of the «Perla Tapatía» is the «Cajeta de Sayula» which, unlike other caramels, is eaten directly from a curious oval-shaped wooden box that gives it its particular seal. More towards the center, in the “Heroica Puebla” is located the so-called «Calle de los Dulces» (Candy Street) . It is the nickname that has been given for years to «6 Oriente street” in the historic downtown of this city. There you can find a large number of shops dedicated to the manufacture and sale of traditional sweets made by artisan hands that replicate the most exquisite recipes inherited from colonial times. Camote (sweet potato), cocadas (coconut candy), gaznates (sugar candy) and mazapanes (peanut candy) are just a small example of the several sweets that fill the sideboards with this corridor. And in the beautiful south of Mexico, it is essential to taste the traditional «Marquesitas» originally from Yucatan. It is a crepe with a slightly crunchy consistency, rolled into a taco; It is filled with Bola cheese and seasoned with jam, caramel, pastry cream or condensed milk. The contrast between the saltiness of the cheese and the sweetness of the dressings gives us a spectacular note on the palate. It is a dessert that has become truly famous in recent years and although it originates from the South, it is common to find it in other latitudes. Let yourself be surprised by these snacks and experience Mexican cuisine at its best. Visit these and other destinations staying at our affiliated hotels:

In Monterrey, Nuevo León

Hyatt House | Hyatt Place Monterrey Valle

In Guadalajara

Presidente InterContinental Guadalajara

Staybridge Suites Guadalajara Novena

In Puebla

Presidente InterContinental Puebla

Holiday Inn Express Puebla

Holiday Inn Puebla La Noria

In Mérida, Yucatán

Courtyard Mérida Downtown