Have you ever asked yourself, "Why are Jordan Almonds such popular favors for large events like weddings?" or "How are Jordan almonds made?" Well, so have we at the Bulk Candy Store. So we did a little looking and here's what we learned.
The History of Jordan Almonds
In many cultures, the almond represents life and love, which is why they are popularly used as wedding favors. One of the earliest associations of almonds with love can be found in Ovid's Heroides, specifically the story of Demophoon and Phyllis. After the Trojan War, the two fell in love, but Demophoon had to sail away before their marriage, promising to return soon. When he failed to return, Phyllis died and turned into an almond tree, but the tree would not bloom. When Demophoon finally came back for Phyllis, he learned of her death. Out of despair, he embraced the almond tree that she had become, and it blossomed into life! To this day, the blossoming fruit continues to symbolize love.
What Jordan Almonds Symbolize
Candy almonds, now known as Jordan almonds, are often given out in small tulle bags or in similar floral-like arrangements as a wedding favor. Fresh almonds have a bittersweet taste, which is said to represent life. The candy, or sugarcoating, is added with the hope that the life of newlyweds will be more sweet than bitter. Nowadays, Jordan Almonds come in every color imaginable; however, white is the most common for weddings since white represents purity. Jordan almonds are commonly clustered together in groups of five to signify the five wishes for the new couple: health, wealth, happiness, children and a long life.
The Italian word for the almond arrangement is "bomboniere," meaning favors. They are oftenpersonalized with the couple's names and wedding date. Several Middle Eastern cultures
believe that Jordan almonds are aphrodisiacs.
Besides weddings, Jordan Almonds are used for other celebrations of life and love, such as anniversaries, gold for 50th and silver for 25th); pastel blue or pink for christenings; red for graduations; and green for engagements. As more and more colors become available, Jordan almonds are appearing at all kinds of events!
Though Jordan almonds are attractive in their own right, there are many different ways to make spectacular-looking wedding favors. For example, you can wrap a cluster in tulle tied with ribbon, pack them in pretty boxes, place them in decorative bags or pour a handful into champagne glasses or glass bowls.
How Jordan Almonds Are Made
The process of making Jordan almonds is so unique that it can never be completely automated. Almonds are peeled in a special machine and then put in large rotating basins. In a process known as panning, the almonds are placed in a flat pan and had a mixture of liquefied sugar, flavoring and coloring poured over them to coat the almonds. The machine continuously shakes the pan for two reasons: so that the almonds to do stick together and so they become evenly coated. They are then left to dry until the next morning. The process requires constant attention to detail, which results in a candy that carries on a beautiful tradition.
Different Grades of Jordan Almonds
It's important when purchasing Jordan almonds to know about the different grades or types of product. They are graded based on the thickness of the candy used on each almond.
Super Fine- This is when the largest almonds are chosen and given a very thin layer of coating. You actually get the most almonds per pound (when compared with fine and extra fine), and they are easiest on your teeth.
Extra Fine
- This is a medium grade of almonds with a more rounded shape and slightly more coating than the super fine grade.
Fine
- Fine the smallest and lowest grade of almonds. These are covered with more candy coating than super or extra fine.
So, if you've ever questioned the significance of Jordan almonds, then you won't have to wonder anymore.
Here at Bulk Candy store, we offer a wide selection of Jordan almonds. Traditional white and assorted, along with colors like blue and pink.