Macarons are French cookies that are a favorite with many people. Macaron is a baked dish and is gluten-free. But is it healthy? Does it cause weight gain? How does it differ from macaroons?
Macarons
Macarons are French cookies. The ingredients are finely ground and blanched (peeled) almonds with egg whites, sugar, vanilla and salt. The almond powder is suspended in a meringue. This meringue has added food colorings that signify its flavor. For example, green is for lime, pink stands for raspberry, etc. After these are baked, a cream filling is sandwiched between two cookies This filling is either a jam or a fruit curd or buttercream or chocolate ganache. These cookies have a smooth upper layer and a bit ruffled lower end. It is soft with a light texture and is chewy with a bit of crunchiness due to the thin crust on the top.
Macarons (Source: Simply recipes)As per the history, it was Catherine di Medici who, after her marriage to Henri II in the 1500s, brought this recipe from Italy to France. The recipe is similar to Italian Pignoli. It changed over the centuries to its modern version of macarons.
Macarons vs macaroons
On the other hand, a macaroon is made from shredded coconut that is suspended in a meringue of sugar and egg whites. Macaroon is larger in size and more denser and chewier than the macaron. Even if ground almonds are used in its making, the almonds are coarsely ground. One can add chopped dried fruits or chocolate to macaroons because they are more stable compared to the macarons. Like the macarons, the origin of macaroons is also Italy. Both macarons and macaroons have no flour in them. The macaroons gained popularity in the last 200 years or so after transportation and migration put it on the treat charts.
Coconut macaroons (Source: 30 seconds)There are vegan alternatives of both macarons as well as the macaroons. In place of egg whites, in the vegan versions, aquafaba is used. This is liquid that is there in the cans of chickpeas. One can whip it hard to produce a stable foam for the macaron and macaroon making.
Health benefits of macarons?
Like all foods, macarons also have their pros and cons. They are a type of sweet or confectionery. Therefore, they are a source of quick energy. The presence of egg whites and nuts makes it a nutritious snack and treat. The coconut macaroons are good for endurance and performance. They assist in muscle repair and wound healing. Additionally, almonds have a lot of vitamin E. This helps the skin glow and become healthy.
Healthy macarons (Source: Pinterest)Also, read Paul Hollywood: know how he lost a stone during lockdown!
But they have sugar. Sugars are good in moderation but they can give rise to high blood spikes and are not good in diabetics. Sugary foods also can cause acne in people and can also lead to weight gain because of their high calories. 100 grams of macaron provides around 404 calories. Hence weight conscious people should limit the intake of this fattening food. But compared to cup cakes, they are healthier since they are lighter with lower calories.