Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - Puerto Vallarta is known for having some of the best in food, from sophisticated molecular gastronomy to street tacos to everything in between. Nonetheless, no visit would be complete without treating yourself to some traditional Mexican candy.

The Spanish word for candies is dulces, and adults and children alike enjoy dulces Mexicanos. On your next visit to Puerto Vallarta, wander into a colorful candy store or outdoor market and have a look around.

One of the most popular candies is made from tamarind, or tamarindo as it is called here. The tamarind is a tree that is indigenous to tropical Africa, but Mexico is one of the largest consumers and commercial producers of tamarind. It is eaten in various forms.

Pulparindo is made from the pulp of the fruit and is flavored with salt, sugar and chile piquin (chili powder made from ground pequin peppers) making it tart, sweet, salty and spicy all at the same time. Chile piquin is also found in other treats like hard candy and lollipops.

A less adventurous Mexican candy is the oblea, made from dulce de leche (a thick milk based spread which is similar to caramel) spread between two very thin wafers that taste similar to an ice cream cone. Dulce de leche, or cajeta, is also eaten in the form of lollipops, small caramel-like candies or as a sauce used in crepes or on ice cream.

Candy made from peanuts is also popular in Mexico. The two most common peanut candies are palanquetas and mazapán. Palanquetas are similar to peanut brittle but also can be made with pumpkin or amaranth seeds. Mazapán is the peanut version of marzipan, the European almond paste, only drier and more powdery.

The most amazing Mexican candy has to be the calavera de azúcar; small skulls made out of sugar and decorated in festive colors. They are presented as offerings at the graves of deceased loved ones or on alters that people create in their homes for The Day of the Dead, El Dia de los Muertos. Not only are the skulls edible, but each one is a beautiful piece of art.

We’re sure shopping for traditional Mexican candy will become your sweetest memory from your next Puerto Vallarta vacation.