Santiago del Teide Sets New Guinness World Record for Longest Nougat

This past Sunday, the picturesque town of Puerto de Santiago in Santiago del Teide achieved a remarkable milestone by officially setting the record for the world’s longest nougat. This event not only showcased the culinary skills of the local community but also highlighted the spirit of collaboration and charity that defines the region.

Record-Breaking Nougat: A Culinary Marvel

The official measurement of the nougat, known locally as turrón, was conducted by a representative from Guinness World Records. The dessert was confirmed to stretch an astonishing 1,151.15 metres. To put this into perspective, if the nougat were laid out straight rather than in a zigzag due to space constraints, it would measure approximately 1.15 kilometres, which is nearly equivalent to the length of eleven football fields. This impressive feat not only broke the previous record of 1,004 metres set in Italy but also demonstrated the potential of local culinary traditions.

Fostering Community Spirit and Charity

The initiative behind this record-breaking endeavor was not solely focused on achieving a Guinness record; it also aimed to promote tourism and enhance community spirit in Santiago del Teide. The event was meticulously organized by local authorities and enthusiastic volunteers, who worked tirelessly to ensure its success. Mayor Emilio Navarro emphasized the social aspect of the project, stating that the primary goal was to ensure that every household in Tenerife could enjoy a piece of this traditional Christmas sweet. After the nougat was officially measured, it was shared among attendees and packaged for distribution to local NGOs, ensuring that the festive spirit reached those in need.

Navarro’s vision for the event was clear: to create a sense of unity and joy within the community while also providing for those less fortunate during the holiday season. The distribution of the nougat to various social centers and senior homes in the area further exemplified this commitment to community welfare.

A Day of Dedication and Teamwork

The creation of the nougat was no small feat; it was a labor-intensive process that required the expertise of local pastry chefs and the dedication of numerous volunteers. The team worked diligently from 5:00 am until after 1:00 pm, culminating in an eight-hour effort that resulted in a dessert that not only set a world record but also showcased the rich culinary talent of the region.

Chef Pablo Pastor, who serves as the president of the Canarian Chefs and Pastry Chefs Association (Acyre), played a pivotal role in coordinating the efforts. Under his guidance, the team utilized over 1,200 kilos of ingredients, which included 1,280 kilos of gofio, 300 kilos of honey, and 250 kilos of sugar. The nougat also featured unique variations, incorporating delightful ingredients such as pistachios and strawberries, thanks to a collaborative effort with Acyre Madrid. This innovative approach not only added flavor but also highlighted the creativity and resourcefulness of the local culinary scene.

Navarro expressed immense pride in the community’s involvement, noting that around 150 individuals contributed to the preparation of the nougat. This diverse group included health professionals, members of the Architects’ Association, and local residents, all coming together for a common cause. Their collective effort exemplified the strength and unity of the Santiago del Teide community.

A Celebration of Tradition and Future Aspirations

One of the local turroneras, Pilar from Turrones Maribel, shared her excitement about participating in this unique culinary event. She highlighted the festive atmosphere that enveloped the occasion, noting how it brought together people from all walks of life. The celebration was not just about breaking a record; it was about fostering connections and creating lasting memories within the community.

Following the event, the nougat was distributed to various social centers and senior homes in the area, ensuring that the spirit of Christmas reached those who needed it most. This act of kindness resonated deeply with the community, reinforcing the importance of giving back during the holiday season.

Chef Pastor concluded by acknowledging the invaluable support from the Town Hall and the suppliers who played a crucial role in making this record-breaking event possible. He reiterated his commitment to promoting the culinary heritage of Santiago del Teide and the broader island, emphasizing that such initiatives not only celebrate local traditions but also enhance the region’s appeal as a tourist destination.

Key points

• The world’s longest nougat was officially measured at 1,151.15 metres in Puerto de Santiago.
• The event aimed to surpass the previous record of 1,004 metres set in Italy.
• Local authorities and volunteers collaborated to create the nougat over eight hours.
• Over 1,200 kilos of ingredients were used, including gofio, honey, and sugar.
• Pieces of the nougat were distributed to local NGOs and community members.
• The initiative promoted tourism and community spirit in Santiago del Teide.
• Approximately 150 people participated in the preparation of the nougat.