Though it’s known as the land of ceviche and waves, these sweets from Piura will give you another reason to travel to northern Peru.
Piura is home to sugarcane plantations, which can explain how the region boasts so many deliciously sweet creations. Below are the sweets from Piura that you should try.
1. Dulce de Guayaba
Similar to quince, this thick jelly is made from guava fruit grown in the southern parts of Piura.
2. Quesillo con miel
The quesillo is made by artisans in Piura, typically made out of goat milk. It’s drizzled with chancaca, a honey sauce made out raw, unrefined sugar cane.
3. Bocadillo
This sweet treat is made with Guarapo, which is the juice extracted from sugarcane, which is boiled until it reaches a gelatinous consistency. Peanuts are then added and the mass is then cooled off before being cut into small pieces.
4. Acuña
This is a solid, crunchier version of bocadillo, made out of chancaca and peanuts.
5. Gofio
A traditional sweet treat from the Huancabamba province in Piura that was sold at schools, churches, plazas and bakeries. The toffee-like treat is very hard to find these days.
6. Bolitas de tamarindo con azúcar
Anyone can make these tamarind balls as they only require mixing two ingredients: tamarind paste and sugar. You can find tamarind trees decorating Piura’s main plaza.
7. Natilla
Natilla is a variation of dulce de leche made with goat milk and yes, you guessed it, chancaca.
8. Alfeñique
Known as the nougat of the Incas, this is one of the more unique sweets from Piura. Made with sugarcane honey and orange and lemon juice, peanuts are then added and the paste is dried and wrapped in banana leaves.
9. Dulce de sambumba
This is a porridge made with sambumba, a type of squash grown in Piura. It’s a typical dessert from the town of Socchabamba, Ayabaca.
10. Conserva de mango ciruelo
Mangos ciruelos, called as such because of their round shape, are grown in the Chira Valley of Sullana in Piura. These mangoes are preserved to make a very sweet treat.
11. Máchica (Mashka)
This sweet treat from Piura is made with pulverized toasted corn kernels and panela, which is unrefined whole cane sugar.
12. Chumbeque
Its name derives from the Mochica culture and its popularity solidified during the colonial period. The dough is made with flour, eggs, cinnamon, sesame seeds and the honey is either made with figs or oranges. It’s sold by street vendors throughout in Piura, making it one of those sweets from Piura you must try.
All photos: eltiempo.pe
Source: eltiempo.pe
