If you’ve been to Mexico, you’ve probably heard of concha. Maybe you were even lucky enough to taste it. But what exactly is it? Concha is a traditional Mexican sweetbread that dates back hundreds of years, and can be found in bakeries all over Mexico. It’s a popular snack among locals and travelers alike, known for its unique taste and texture, but unfortunately, it hasn’t quite managed to cross the US border. Here’s everything you need to know about this sweet, delicious bread.
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What Is Concha, Mexico's Delicious Sweetbread?
@foodwtf A #concha is a traditional Mexican sweet bread with a crunchy and sweet covering 📍Con Azúcar Cafe in #SanJose #California 🎥 @missfoodiebayarea #foodie #foodtiktok #californiafoodie #mexicanfood #cafe ♬ original sound – kardashianshulu
A concha is a type of sweet bread roll that originated in Mexico. The name comes from the Spanish word for shell, since it looks like a seashell with its scalloped edges. It has a crunchy exterior with a soft, spongy center, and the surface of the concha is covered with sugar crystals, giving it its signature flavor and sweetness. Conchas come in many different flavors including chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, and even coffee.
In addition to their unique flavor and texture, conchas also stand out due to their appearance. Each one is topped with brightly colored sugar-based decorations, often taking the form of flowers or other symbols like crosses or hearts, making them even more aesthetically pleasing than other pastries. The decorations also give conchas extra sweetness.
Conchas are typically made using simple ingredients such as flour, baking powder, sugar, butter, eggs, milk, and salt. The dough is kneaded until it forms a smooth ball before being rolled out into a flat circle. A special tool called an abanico (Spanish for “fan”) is used to create the iconic wavy pattern on the top of the concha before it’s baked in an oven until golden brown. Once cooled off slightly, it’s ready to eat.
Conchas are widely available throughout Latin America, especially Mexico. They can usually be found at any bakery or even some grocery stores. In some areas conchas may be referred to as “cuernos” or “orejas,” which both mean horns or ears in English. Some bakeries in Mexico City have been continuously baking conchas since the early 1900s. 