Dragée
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A dragée (pronounced [dræˈʒeɪ] dra-ZHAY, from Greek tragêmata "sweets, treats") is a form of confectionery that can be used for decorative or symbolic purposes in addition to consumption.
A classic, popular version of dragée, called leb'es in Arabic, confetti in Italian and Jordan almonds or sugared almonds in English, are whole almonds coated with a sugar shell, made in various colors. These confections have a long history, and are traditionally associated with weddings and special celebrations. Throwing or handing out these candies at such occasions (hence the name for the multi-colored paper confetti which usually now replaces them) dates back centuries, and is meant to ensure prosperity, fertility, happiness, and good luck.
The town of Verdun, France, had acquired a reputation for its dragées by the 13th century. Originally the dragée was a spiced lump of sugar eaten as a digestive after meals.
The process by which the sugar shell is applied to the center is often known as "panning".
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[edit] Chocolate
More recently, with the introduction of chocolate to the Old World, and chocolate's steady gain in popularity once an eating form was developed in the early 19th century, chocolate dragées in the shape of the original almond sweets, still with the colored candy coating, have become at least as popular as, if not more so than, the original almond version. Both types can be ordered for weddings, et al., in whatever colors suit the buyers.
[edit] Metallic
A third form of dragée is a much smaller, pure sugar ball, usually with a metallic coating, made to resemble a ball bearing. These dragées are produced in various sizes, but tend toward slightly larger than a nonpareil and slightly smaller than a small pearl. In fact, one of the more recent developments in the finish of dragées has been the creation of fairly realistic edible pearls, which are used primarily in the decoration of cookies, cakes, and other forms of bakery. Silver dragées, now augmented by ones with gold and copper finishes, have long been used for both wedding and holiday food decoration.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration considers the metallic-finish dragées to be inedible. Early in the 20th century, the silver finish may have contained mercury (it does not now). The sale of these dragées was banned for some time. Although the metallic-finish dragées can be purchased in 49 U.S. states, in California, they are no longer sold due to a 2003 lawsuit against several sellers. Now, these dragées are sold with a notice that they are for decorative purposes only. However in other countries (including the United Kingdom) they are classed as food items.
[edit] Other forms
A fourth form of contemporary dragée might be almond M&M's – whole almonds in chocolate with a candy shell. These, too, can be ordered in a variety of colors for special occasions. However, historically correct or not, calling M&M's dragées may be a little old-fashioned in attitude or style.
Mentos are another common "chewy dragee", named because of their hard candy shell and soft center. However, in modern day society, this description and labelling is not common, the common names are mints, lollies, sweets and candy.
In some parts of Europe, the term "dragee" may be used to describe any sugar coated confection, including any type of nut, raisins, chocolate and licorice pieces.
[edit] References
- Dictionnaire de Français Larousse (1996) ISBN 2-03-320222-4
- Richardson, Tim (2002) Sweets: A History of Candy, Bloomsbury ISBN 1-58234-307-1
- Product details from a British bakery supplies manufacturer
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