THE STORY BEHIND THE SWEET CLASSIC: JESUIT

Jesuíta is a specialty made from puff pastry, egg yolks and sugar that is consumed and enjoyed all over the country. However, the traditional and authentic Jesuits originate in the city of Santo Tirso.

The story of how it all began is not consensual, and its true origin is not known for sure, however, its connection with the Society of Jesus and its monks known as “Jesuits” is undeniable. However, some claim that this connection comes only from the fact that its covering resembles the costumes worn by Jesuit monks, others will say that the origin of the recipe is purely conventual.

There is, information that suggests that a recipe arrived in Portugal through the hands of a Spanish pastry chef who, at the time, worked in a confectionery shop in Santo Tirso. In addition to naming this creation, it appears that the inspiration may have come from the fact that he had previously worked in a community of Jesuit priests in Bilbao, Spain.

The truth is that currently Jesuíta is part of the typical Portuguese pastry and, although it may have some variations, it is a specialty that is exclusively recognized and widely appreciated throughout the country.

Source: https://www.puratos.pt/pt/blog/cada-criacao-de-pastelaria-tem-uma-historia-para-contar-jesuita