I enjoy nothing more than bringing home with me food items from France that evoke the memory and taste of travel. When I first laid eyes on a box of Calissons d’Aix in a shop window in Avignon, I was smitten.
Calissons d’Aix are a regional specialty of the provençal town of Aix en Provence. The diamond-shaped friandises consist of almonds, melons and oranges made according to tradition aixoise, using traditional methods and old techniques. The almonds are cleaned and crushed, the fruit is added and turned into a paste. The calissons are then made into shape and covered with royal icing.
These sweets are said to have originated in the 15th century and folklore states that they have been eaten to ward off the bubonic plague. Their taste is wickedly addictive. They’re soft to the bite, not overly sweet and have a fine almond texture that leaves you wanting more.
Calissons are usually sold in white boxes that resemble their shape or in clear confectionery bag tied with colourful ribbons. They are also made with fig and lavender but orange is the traditional flavour.
If you’re travelling to France, keep an eye out for Calissons d’Aix, a regional speciality that will leave you longing for a delicate taste from Provence.
Sounds great, I love almonds, and if they can ward off the bubonic plague, they must be incredible!
If only all medicine tasted so good! 🙂
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Nice to see a nod to the calisson! Nice article and I agree about bringing back home some gustative memories of France. I live in a former calisson factory, which is now an absinthe distillery near Aix. It’s a treat to see them made in the places that still make them.
Merci!
Bonjour and welcome 🙂 I would love to see them being made! Provence is such an enchanting region. You’re lucky to be living amidst all the regional specialties 🙂
Oh wow!!! I’m such a huge almond anything fan, I know I’d love these!! Hmm, maybe my brother can bring some back from Paris. 🙂
Do try them if you have the chance! The almond taste is not bitter and not being overly sweet, they’re better than marzipan.
I’ve seen those before, but never knew what they were. Oh, well. Must go back.
If you go, can I come along too? We’ll pack light so we can bring a few boxes back! 🙂
[…] gourmet items which are good to take home such as a range of Mazet chocolates, mint Zizis, and Calissons d’Aix, a specialty of Aix en […]