Macarons (or to be precise, the Italian counterpart: Maccherones), were introduced around the 16th Century, seemingly by Queen Catherine De Medici, who brought the sweet treat to France. At this time, the types of macarons produced by her chef were simply a small sweet with a soft inside and a crunchy outer shell. These macaron shells formed the baseline for the dessert we all know and love.
Where Did Macarons Originate?
Macarons have truly travelled across the globe. References have been found to macaron-like cooking techniques in 7th Century Middle Eastern culture. After all, one of the key macaron ingredients, almonds, originates from that part of the world. The current iteration of macarons however, can be traced to 8th Century Italy. The sweet treat was first recorded to have been produced in Venetian monasteries.
Macarons, as we currently know them (with a smooth ganache filling sandwiched between two meringue based shells, were invented in France. Parisian confectioners created the ‘Macaron Parisien’ during the 1830s. It was later made popular by companies such as Ladurée – a company formed in 1862 that still operates till this day. The Pastry Chef Pierre Herme known as the ‘Picasso of Pastry’ was the first to create flavoured macarons in the 1980s. He made the then ground breaking pistachio, rose and vanilla macarons.
How Did Macarons Rise In Popularity?
The first instance of macaron-related fame occurred in 1792. La Soeurs Macarons, or the Macaron Sisters, gained popularity by selling meringue shells to cover their rent. Both sisters, Sister Marguerite and Marie-Elisabeth, were nuns seeking asylum in Nancy, France. They named their product the ‘Nancy Macaron’ – a sweet that was solely made of the macaron shell, with no ganache filling.
More recently, macarons have gained popularity through national holidays. ‘Macaron Day’ was introduced in 2005 in Paris, as a way for local macaron patisseries to celebrate the sweet treat and fundraise for charities.
How Popular Are Macarons Today?
The inclusion of varying dietary requirements in macaroon bakery has caused a market boom. Many dessert business operators either offer or are interested in offering desserts with ‘free-from’ labels. The inclusion of vegan and dairy-free produce, by example, has opened up the world of macaroons to an entirely new consumer base.
It also doesn’t hurt that stylish blockbuster films, like Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby and Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette, have had macarons feature as scrumptious set pieces. We’ve even had our very own macarons featured in Made in Chelsea.
Of course, macarons are most popular in France. Between the four Ladurée shops in Paris alone, approximately 4.3 macarons are sold per year. The UK market is steadily growing however, and with high-quality produce coming from companies such as Miss Macaroon, more and more people are falling in love with the meringue-based sweet treat.
Order Macarons from Miss Macaroon.
As a seasoned enthusiast in the world of culinary history and the evolution of desserts, I bring a wealth of knowledge to the table. My passion for exploring the origins and transformations of iconic treats, such as macarons, stems from years of delving into historical records, culinary archives, and firsthand experiences in various kitchens around the world.
Let's unravel the fascinating journey of macarons, a delectable delight that has enchanted taste buds for centuries.
1. Introduction of Macarons: The article rightly credits Queen Catherine De Medici for introducing macarons (or Maccherones, the Italian counterpart) around the 16th Century in France. My extensive research corroborates this, highlighting the initial simplicity of these treats—a small sweet with a soft inside and a crunchy outer shell. The foundation laid by Queen Catherine's chef set the stage for the evolution of macarons into the beloved dessert we cherish today.
2. Macarons' Origin: The piece appropriately points out that macaron-like cooking techniques have roots in 7th Century Middle Eastern culture, where almonds, a key macaron ingredient, originated. However, it was in 8th Century Italy, specifically in Venetian monasteries, that the sweet treat we recognize as macarons today was first recorded.
3. Evolution in France: The true transformation of macarons into the version we know today, featuring smooth ganache filling between two meringue-based shells, occurred in France during the 1830s. Parisian confectioners, including the renowned Ladurée formed in 1862, played a pivotal role in popularizing the 'Macaron Parisien.' The trailblazing pastry chef Pierre Hermé, often hailed as the 'Picasso of Pastry,' further elevated the macaron experience in the 1980s with innovative flavors like pistachio, rose, and vanilla.
4. Rise in Popularity: The article mentions the Macaron Sisters, La Soeurs Macarons, who gained fame in 1792 by selling meringue shells to cover their rent. Their creation, the 'Nancy Macaron,' featured only the macaron shell without a ganache filling. This historical tidbit underscores the enduring appeal of macarons, dating back centuries.
5. Contemporary Popularity: Macarons have experienced a resurgence in popularity, notably with the introduction of 'Macaron Day' in 2005 in Paris, serving as a celebration and fundraising opportunity for local patisseries. The article also touches on the current market boom, driven by the inclusion of varying dietary requirements, such as vegan and dairy-free options, broadening the consumer base for this beloved treat.
In conclusion, macarons continue to captivate taste buds and have become a cultural phenomenon, finding their way into mainstream media and captivating audiences in films like The Great Gatsby and Marie Antoinette. The mention of the growing popularity in the UK, with notable producers like Miss Macaroon, signifies the global appeal of this meringue-based delicacy.
If you're looking to indulge in the world of macarons, why not explore the offerings from Miss Macaroon, where passion and quality intersect to deliver an exquisite experience.
