Birthplace of turrón in Xixona Curiosity · Xixona/Jijona, L'Alacantí, Alicante Image of Xixona/Jijona, not of the place itself. Xixona is considered the cradle of Spanish turrón, with a confectionery industry of centuries-old tradition linked to the almonds and honey of the region. Turrón de Jijona is made with roasted almonds, honey and egg white, ground to form a smooth, uniform paste that is cooked a second time in cauldrons called boixets, stirring it until a homogeneous texture is achieved before pouring it into moulds; it then needs to rest for at least 24 hours, since the ground almond releases its oil. Its pasty texture distinguishes it from turrón de Alicante, which is harder. Production is protected by the Consejo Regulador de Jijona y Turrón de Alicante, which oversees its Protected Geographical Indication, and it is one of the most widely consumed Christmas sweets in Spain. Photo: Alfredo Jerez (CC BY-SA 4.0) What to see and do in Xixona/Jijona