Did you know that macarons originated in Italy, not France?
The fascinating origin of the macaron can be traced back to Italy during the Renaissance period. At the time, the macaron was a small, almond-based cookie that was crunchy on the outside and chewy on the inside. The cookie was made from almond flour, egg whites, and sugar, and was often flavoured with vanilla or citrus.
In the 16th century Catherine de Medici, the wife of King Henry II of France, introduced her beloved macarons to the French. When she married the French king, she brought her Italian pastry chefs with her to France, who presented the macaron to the French aristocracy.
The macaron became a popular treat among the French nobility, and many French pastry chefs began experimenting with the recipe and developing their own unique flavours.
The Evolution of the Macaron
Over time, the macaron began to evolve, and different variations of the pastry emerged. In the early 20th century, French pastry chef Pierre Desfontaines of the Ladurée pastry shop in Paris began to sandwich two macaron cookies together with a creamy filling, creating the modern macaron we know today.
The macaron gained popularity among the French and became a staple in French pastry shops. However, it wasn't until the 1990s that the macaron gained international recognition, thanks in part to the efforts of French pastry chef Pierre Hermé.
Hermé revolutionised macarons by introducing new and exotic flavours, such as jasmine, rose, and foie gras. He also experimented with different textures and fillings, such as salted caramel, olive oil, and truffle.
Today, the macaron has become a beloved dessert all over the world, with pastry shops and bakeries offering their own unique flavours and takes on the classic treat. The macaron has become a symbol of French pastry and culture, and its popularity shows no signs of slowing down.
So there you have it, the macaron may have originated in Italy, but we have to give credit to the innovation of French patissiers that made it into the beloved dessert.
From its humble beginnings as a small almond cookie to the colourful and delicate pastry we know today, the macaron has come a long way. Its evolution and popularity continue to capture the hearts and taste buds of people all over the world.
Here at Oh La La! We continue this tradition of macaron evolution, experimenting with unique flavours and shapes. Our macarons are known for their delicate decoration, even 2 gold, something we think Catherine de Medici would be proud of!
