There are various theories about the etymological origin of the term delicacy. However, the one that gains the most weight is the one that establishes that it derives from Latin, exactly from the word “manducare”, which can be translated as “chew”.
A delicacy is a very tasty food . Although the appreciation of flavor is subjective, exquisite foods are mentioned as delicacies.
For example: “How delicious this is! It is a delicacy” , “There is no delicacy more delicious than the lentil stew that my grandmother prepares” , “In this restaurant they make many delicacies, it is difficult to choose a dish” .
Among the words that can function as synonyms for delicacy, we find some such as viand, delicacy, exquisiteness, candy or food.
It can be understood that something is a delicacy for different reasons. Typically, a sophisticated or difficult-to-prepare dish is called this way. In this context, delicacies are usually expensive.
However, a person can call their favorite food a delicacy, regardless of its characteristics, method of preparation or ingredients. Thus, a classic recipe in a family becomes a delicacy thanks to the appreciation of its members.
In the same way, it is popularly considered that there are foods in the world that are considered authentic delicacies. This would be the case, for example, of 100% acorn-fed Iberian ham or caviar. This list also includes truffle, lobster, oysters and quail eggs.
Manjar, on the other hand, is a name that appears in various foods. In some countries, dulce de leche is known as manjar or white manjar , which is prepared with prolonged cooking of milk and sugar flavored with vanilla.
Manjar blanco is also a dessert that contains milk, sugar , rice flour and almonds and a dish that combines these ingredients with chicken breasts. The soft manjar or slow manjar , meanwhile, includes milk, sugar and beaten egg yolks.
The preparation with milk, rice flour and yolks is called imperial delicacy , while the main delicacy features strained milk, breadcrumbs, beaten yolks and cheese . The delicacy of the angels and the royal delicacy are other culinary options with different qualities.
Likewise, it must be established that it also speaks of the delicacy of the gods. It is popularly used to indicate the exquisiteness of a food or dish in question. Expression that has its origin in Ancient Greece and is that it was used to mention two products that the gods of that time took. We are referring to both ambrosia and nectar, which, when ingested, were considered to grant immortality, increase happiness and even offer eternal youth.
Finally, we can highlight the existence of the film “Manjar de amor”. This was released in 2002, is directed by Spanish filmmaker Ventura Pons and is based on the novel “Together with the Pianist”, written by David Leavitt. It tells the love story that is established between a music student and a famous pianist.