Macun

Macun (in Turkish also Macun şekeri) is a soft, sweet and colorful Turkish toffee paste. It is a street food that may be prepared with many herbs and spices. Macun originated from spicy preparations of Mesir macunu, a traditional Turkish herbal paste from the classical antiquity period. During classical antiquity, macun was consumed as a pharmaceutical medicine. It was historically served in a round tray with separate compartments for the various flavors, a serving style that has continued into modern times. The consumption of macun is a part of some Turkish customs.

Macun is a street food that is often sold outdoors, especially during street festivals (panayır). It is a popular sweet among children. The color of various macuns may be vivid or bright. Macun may be prepared with a great deal of herbs and spices. Ingredients to flavor macun have traditionally included bergamot, cinnamon, mastic, mint, rose, lemon and plum.

Macun originated from spicy preparations of Mesir macunu, a traditional herbal paste from classical antiquity. During classical antiquity, macun was consumed as a pharmaceutical medicine.

Macun was purported to have therapeutic effects to give the body strength and to calm one's spirit. Islamic physicians have prepared hundreds of different varieties of macun. The various herbs and spices used were mixed with honey in macun preparation, the latter of which also served to preserve the product. Various macuns have been served and consumed as both a medicine and as a confectionery (sweetmeats). During the Ottoman period, macun named Neruz macunu, also referred to as nevruziyye, was consumed as both a medicine and confectionery.

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