Historical, Geographical and Cultural Identification in the Production of Traditional Valledupar Candies: An Approach for Technical Knowledge

Abstract

Background: In the Colombian Caribbean region, candies have had a long tradition of production, consumption and importance, thus contributing to the identity of the locals and the entire country. As such, when Colombian Caribbean gastronomy is evoked, especially that of Valledupar, candies appear at the top of the list of typical desserts. Reflection: The cultural diversity that characterizes the Colombian regions is reflected in its gastronomy, where traditional candies such as “bocadito dulce que acompaña el almuerzo “ are consumed, but more than being present at our tables, candies evoke, in a single bite, the history, geography, religion, tradition, technique, culture, tastes and knowledge of the area. This paper seeks to address these aspects and then characterize the candies according to their raw material, form of preparation, and consistency, and measuring various organoleptic properties such as pH and concentration of solids (°Brix). Conclusion: This study has contributed to the understanding that the Valledupar´s sweet cuisine functions as an emblematic example of both cultural and technical complexities that are part of Colombian cuisines. DP analysis is a tool that can be used for formulating dietary recommendations based on food culture.