Yema (candy) facts for kids
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Top: yema balls
Bottom: pyramid-shaped yema |
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| Type | Sweets |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | Philippines |
| Region or state | Bulacan |
| Main ingredients | egg yolks, sugar, milk |
Yema is a delicious sweet treat from the Philippines. It's a type of custard candy made mainly from egg yolks, milk, and sugar. The name "yema" comes from the Spanish word for "egg yolk."
This candy has an interesting history! Like many other Filipino desserts that use egg yolks, yema is thought to have started during the time Spain ruled the Philippines (from 1521 to 1898). Back then, people used egg whites mixed with a material called quicklime and crushed eggshells. This mixture acted like a strong glue to hold stone walls together in buildings.
Filipinos didn't want to waste the leftover egg yolks. So, they found creative ways to use them in different dishes. Yema is one of these dishes, and it might even be based on a Spanish pastry called Yemas de Santa Teresa.
What is Yema?
Yema is a sweet confectionery, which is just a fancy word for a candy or sweet food. It has a rich, creamy texture, similar to a custard. The main ingredients are simple: egg yolks, milk, and sugar.
How Yema Got Its Start
When yema was first made, it was even simpler! It only used egg yolks and sugar. These ingredients were heated and stirred until they became very thick. Then, the mixture was shaped into small balls or pyramids and rolled in white sugar.
Later on, milk, or sometimes condensed milk, was added to the recipe. This probably happened during the time the United States had influence in the Philippines (from 1898 to 1946).
Making Yema Today
Today, yema is still a popular treat. Modern versions often include extra ingredients like chopped nuts, which add a nice crunch. It's a beloved candy that shows how Filipinos turned a simple leftover ingredient into a delightful dessert!
