Alajú facts for kids

Alajú or alajuz is a yummy cake from Spain, specifically from a region called Castile. It started in the city of Cuenca. This traditional cake is made with a base of almonds, mixed with roasted bread crumbs, different spices, and sweet honey. It's then covered with two thin wafers on the top and bottom. Sometimes, instead of almonds, other nuts like pine nuts are used.

History of Alajú

Alajú has a long history in Spain. It's most truly made in parts of Valencia that are close to Castilla-La Mancha. This is especially true in places like Ademuz and the Utiel-Requena area. The Utiel-Requena region used to be more connected to Castile than Valencia. It was even part of the Cuenca province until 1851.

The cake is also very popular in a town called Moratalla in northwest Murcia. This area is close to Alcarria, where lots of honey is produced. This might be why the cake is so well-loved there.

The name Alajú comes from an old Arabic word, "Al-hasu." This word means "filling," which makes sense for a cake with a delicious filling!

Alajú was also a common sweet treat in Tudela, another city in Spain. It's quite similar to the Alajú eaten in Cuenca today. For a while, this dessert was almost forgotten. But people found old recipes and brought it back to life! There are similar sweets called "Turrones" (nougats) made with honey and almonds. These are different from Alajú because they don't have breadcrumbs.

See also

In Spanish: Alajú para niños