Plaza Buganvilla, situated in the heart of Los Gigantes, transformed into the focal point of a historic and delectable event in Santiago del Teide yesterday. With the involvement of local residents, tourists, chefs, and pastry specialists from Acyre Canarias, the longest nougat in Spain was crafted using regional products, achieving a national record. This remarkable creation measured an impressive 110 metres in length and weighed 295 kilograms. The initiative aimed to showcase the significance of kilometre 0 ingredients, evolved into a gesture of solidarity and a means of promoting tourism for the town, highlighting the renowned brand of the westernmost municipality in the southern region.
From the early hours of the day, the atmosphere was vibrant with enthusiasm and collaboration. The event was orchestrated by the Town Hall of the Historical Village of Santiago del Teide, with backing from the Government of the Canary Islands, the Cabildo of Tenerife, Alcampo, and various local organisations. The intent was straightforward: to stimulate local commerce, establish the municipality as a gastronomic hub, and highlight iconic local products, particularly the Santiago del Teide almond, which played a pivotal role in this achievement.
THE INGREDIENTS
The nougat featured a meticulously chosen array of local components that contributed to its exceptional flavour. The recipe incorporated 60 kilograms of dark chocolate, 40 kilograms of white chocolate, 50 kilograms of gofio, 25 kilograms of crunchy María-type biscuits, 20 kilograms of puffed rice, 70 kilograms of candied banana, and 30 kilograms of almonds sourced from Santiago del Teide.
According to chef Pablo Pastor, who oversaw the preparation, the goal was to strike a “balance between tradition and innovation,” weaving together local products such as almonds and bananas within a María-type biscuit to impart a crunchy element to the nougat. At 5:00 p.m., representatives from Acyre Canarias alongside council officials conducted the official measurement of the nougat, validating its dimensions and weight, before proceeding to cut and distribute it for tasting among the participants.
Emilio Navarro, the mayor of Santiago del Teide, emphasised the initiative’s altruistic nature: “It will be shared among NGOs, care homes for the elderly, and those in vulnerable situations. This event has illustrated our community’s value and our social responsibility.”
ALMONDS, THE DIFFERENTIAL VALUE
Guests unanimously praised the nougat’s flavour, describing it as exceptional, thanks to the unique contribution of local almonds. “It was excellent, a distinctive taste. The almond from Santiago del Teide imparts something truly special,” remarked one attendee.
