The Elegant Macaron: A History of the Famous Meringues

May 20
19:56

2024

Lisa Jeeves

Lisa Jeeves

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Confectionery doesn't get more sophisticated than the exquisite macaron. These delicate, colorful, and delicious treats are stylish round sandwiches of meringue and almond paste that come in a variety of flavors. While many associate macarons with French patisseries, their origins actually trace back to Italy in the eighth century.

Italian Origins

The macaron,The Elegant Macaron: A History of the Famous Meringues Articles known as "macarone" in Italian, dates back to the 700s. Venetian monasteries were the first to bake these round biscuits made from egg whites, almonds, and sugar. These early versions were often referred to as "priest's belly buttons" due to their distinctive shape.

Arrival in France

The macaron made its way to France in 1533 during the Renaissance. This culinary migration occurred when Catherine de' Medici, a Florentine noblewoman, married King Henry II of France. She brought with her a team of pastry chefs from Italy, who introduced the macaron to the French court.

The treat gained widespread popularity beyond the nobility in 1792, thanks to two Carmelite nuns. Seeking asylum during the French Revolution, they baked and sold macarons to pay for their housing. These nuns became famously known as the "Macaron Sisters."

Evolution into the Modern Macaron

The macaron as we know it today took shape in the 19th century in Paris. Renowned French confectioners like Ladurée began layering disks of almond meringue with a soft, creamy filling, creating the sandwich-style macaron. This new version was often called the "Gerbet" (after French baker Claude Gerbet) or the "Paris Macaron."

Modern Innovations

Today, macarons remain a popular confection, with pastry chefs continually experimenting with new flavors and colors. Traditional fillings include buttercream, jam, or ganache, but modern variations feature flavors like chocolate, raspberry, and even matcha. Food coloring is used to give these treats their distinctive, alluring hues. Despite the innovations, the classic ingredients and melt-in-the-mouth texture remain unchanged.

A Global Phenomenon

Macarons are now enjoyed worldwide, from Canada and the United States to Australia, Japan, and South Korea. In 2005, renowned French pastry chef Pierre Hermé established "Macaron Day," celebrated globally. On this day, many suppliers offer free samples, and a portion of the day's sales is donated to local charities.

Interesting Statistics

  • Global Market: The global macaron market was valued at approximately $1.2 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.5% from 2021 to 2026 (source).
  • Consumption: France remains the largest consumer of macarons, with an estimated 4 million macarons consumed annually (source).
  • Macaron Day: On Macaron Day, participating patisseries in Paris alone distribute over 100,000 macarons for free (source).

Our Wholesale Confectionery

We proudly offer the exquisite Macarons de Pauline. Using a traditional recipe, these macarons come in a variety of colors and flavors. Popular choices include the colorful strawberry, lemon, and pistachio set, presented in a beautiful gift box. Larger boxes are also available, featuring flavors like vanilla, mocha, and chocolate.

Contact our sales team today to purchase these delightful wholesale confections. With Macaron Day just around the corner, it's the perfect time to stock up!

For more information on the history of macarons, you can visit Ladurée's official website or Pierre Hermé's official website.