Today, January 6, we celebrate Three Kings Day, a very special date, especially for Latin American homes, since on this day a series of gifts arose under the Christmas tree for the little ones in the house and perhaps also for those who did not they are so.
With this celebration we practically say goodbye to the Christmas season, so many also have the tradition of getting together on this day with their family or closest friends to share the Rosca de Reyes, that round bread that has some dolls hidden inside. Niño Dios and that is adorned with sugar and crystallized fruits.
Previously, citron was also added to the Rosca de Reyes, a crystallized sweet that was widely used in Mexican cuisine, either on these dates or in September, when chiles en nogada are made.
Currently, the consumption of acitrón is prohibited and people are even invited not to buy Roscas de Reyes that have this element and are even invited to denounce those businesses or bakers who continue to use it to make their products because they are committing a crime.
Why you no longer have to use acitrón in the Rosca de Reyes
The acitrón, also known as biznaga dulce, tonel or burra, is a globose cactus that is subject to special protection.
The Mexican government launched an awareness campaign some time ago with the intention that the population does not consume it since it is in danger of extinction.
The Official Mexican Standard NOM-059-SEMARNAT-2010 identifies the species or populations of wild flora and fauna at risk within the Mexican Republic.
It should be noted that the citron is not only used for gastronomic purposes, it is also used to make fabrics and decorative elements during the Christmas season. The growth rate of these succulents is very slow, which is why the exploitation of the resource is greater than the time to recover their populations.
With what to replace the citron in the Rosca de Reyes:
* Dried fruit: Apricot, fig, apple dried apricots
* Ate: Kind of solid and smooth jam
* Crystallized fruit: Chilacayote, papaya, orange or lemon
* Chocolate and candies
It may interest you:
* The magnificent history of the Rosca de Reyes
* January 6: What is Epiphany and how is it related to the Three Wise Men?
* Three Three Kings Day recipes from Chef Claudia Sandoval