The month of October is not only characterized by the busy processions of the Lord of Miracles, also by the sweet aroma of the nougat that accompanies the Christ of Pachacamilla. In Huancayo more than 6 decades began with the preparation and sale of this delicacy, during all this time it has been changing in its elaboration, ingredients and its points of sale.
Initiative. Valerio León Pimentel (85) is one of the pioneers with the nougat in the city of Huancayo. Don Valerio, as they say about affection since he began with this work he told how his foray was with this pastry product.
“Mr. Santiago Quispe, who was from Orcotuna, taught me to make tougles when I was 21 years old. Those years we started selling in front of the Constitution Square, when he was smaller and we placed ourselves on Real Street. That occasion we were only 4 people we sold and we are the pioneers with Mrs. Teófila, Yolanda, Julián Cancume Don Valerio said.
The octogenarian added that he decided to become independent to start with his own brand, began renting an oven where he prepared his nougat and also taught to prepare other people, including his daughter Rosa León Navarrete (50), who continues with this tradition.
“I feel very proud to have learned pastry with my dad, with that job he educated all his children and taught us with love. Every October is very important for us for what it means,” Rosa León said.
Variety
Another of the descendants of the pioneer turions in Huancayo, is Norma Yolanda Quispe Contreras, who continues with the tradition of elaboration of Yolanda Contreras also known as Mom Yola. Like the other producers, it was also preparing new recipes for sale to the public.
“My mother was declared Huanca Heritage, Mama Yola, prepared the nougat since the age of 15 with the classic recipe that was that of Doña Pepa, but we also have three other varieties such as nuts and almonds that are for people who suffer from diabetes and can consume it because they are clearly dietary, we also have quinoa nougat,” Norma Quispe said.
For this year, the Association of Nougat Producers Mr. de los Milagros, organized the Nougat Fair that will be bet on Paseo La Breña, in the section between the Jirones Arequipa and Moquegua in Huancayo.
It is an average of 20 producers who will bet with the traditional nougat and the new varieties that were made for this year. In addition, they reported that the cost would vary according to the weight and brand.
All producers guarantee the quality of nougat in Huancayo respecting health standards.
