With its delicate, airy shells and rich, flavourful fillings, the macaron has become a beloved treat around the world. But beyond its Instagram-worthy appearance and delightful taste lies a rich history steeped in tradition, culture and evolution.
At Nanatang, we celebrate the macaron’s delectable nature and honour its journey through time. Join us as we explore the creamy history of the macaron, from its origins to its modern-day popularity, and discover why this French confection has captured the hearts of many.
The macaron’s journey begins not in France, as many might assume, but in Italy. The term “macaron” originates from the Italian word “maccherone”, which denotes a dough crafted with almond flour. Legend has it that macarons were initially brought to France by Catherine de’ Medici, the Italian aristocrat who wed King Henry II of France in the 16th century. When she moved to France, she brought her team of Italian pastry chefs, who introduced the French court to these sweet almond cookies.
In their early days, macarons were quite different from what we know today. They were simple, single-layer cookies made with ground almonds, sugar and egg whites. It wasn’t until the 19th century that the macaron began to evolve into the delicate, sandwich-like treat we recognise now.
During the French Revolution, macarons started gaining popularity outside the aristocracy. Two Carmelite nuns seeking asylum in Nancy, France, began baking and selling macarons to support themselves. These nuns, later dubbed the “Macaron Sisters”, are credited with spreading the love for macarons throughout France. Their recipe, however, remained simple without the elaborate filling, which is now a hallmark of the modern macaron.
By the 19th century, macarons had become a staple in French patisseries. However, it wasn’t until the early 20th century that the macaron underwent a significant transformation, thanks to a Parisian pastry chef named Pierre Desfontaines, the grandson of Louis-Ernest Ladurée, the founder of the famous Ladurée bakery. Desfontaines had the innovative idea of filling macarons with a layer of ganache, buttercream or jam and then sandwiching them together, creating the iconic double-decker macaron that we know and love today.
As with many culinary delights, the macaron’s fame spread far beyond the borders of France. In the 21st century, macarons became a global sensation, with patisseries from Tokyo to New York offering their unique takes on this classic treat. The rise of social media platforms like Instagram further fueled the macaron craze, as their colourful, aesthetically pleasing appearance made them perfect for sharing online.
Today, macarons are enjoyed in various flavours, from traditional choices like vanilla, chocolate and coffee to more adventurous options such as matcha, salted caramel, and earl grey. Their versatility and elegance have made them a popular choice for weddings, parties and as gifts.
Singapore’s vibrant food culture has embraced the macaron with open arms. At Nanatang, we have taken the traditional French macaron and infused it with local flavours and creativity. Our studio is known for offering workshops starring macarons that adhere to traditional French techniques while tapping on unique, regionally inspired flavours. These distinctive tastes reflect Singapore’s rich culinary heritage and add a new dimension to the classic macaron. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned baker, these classes provide the perfect opportunity to dive deep into macarons, learning the precise techniques required to achieve the ideal texture and flavour.
Creating the perfect macaron is a challenging feat. It requires precision, patience, and a keen understanding of the ingredients. The process starts by making the macaron shells using almond flour, powdered sugar and egg whites. These ingredients are carefully folded together to create a smooth, glossy batter. The batter is then piped onto baking sheets and left to rest, allowing the skin to form on the surface, which is crucial for achieving the macaron’s characteristic smooth, shiny top.
Once baked, the shells are paired and filled with delicious fillings, such as buttercream, ganache or jam. The filled macarons are then allowed to mature in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours, which helps the flavours meld together and enhances the overall taste and texture.
At Nanatang, we take pride in using only the finest ingredients for our macarons. From premium almond flour to fresh, high-quality fillings, every component is carefully selected to ensure our macarons are beautiful and flavoured.
As we look to the future, the macaron continues to evolve, with new trends and innovations constantly emerging. The possibilities are endless, from macaron towers that serve as stunning centrepieces at weddings to savoury macarons that challenge traditional flavour dimensions.
One of the most exciting developments in macarons is the growing focus on sustainability. Many patisseries, including Nanatang, are exploring ways to make macarons more eco-friendly, whether through sourcing sustainable ingredients, reducing waste, or using environmentally friendly packaging.
At Nanatang, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of macarons while staying true to the traditional techniques that have made this confection a timeless favourite. We invite you to join us on this journey, whether by indulging in our latest creations or learning the art of macaron-making in one of our classes.
The macaron’s history is as rich and layered as the confection itself. From its humble beginnings in Italy to its rise as a global culinary icon, the macaron has captured people’s imaginations and taste buds worldwide. At Nanatang, we are proud to continue this tradition, offering macarons that blend classic techniques with modern flavours and innovations.
Whether you’re a macaron enthusiast or just starting your journey into the world of these delightful treats, we invite you to explore our macaron offerings and join one of our baking classes. Let us share the joy of creating and savouring macarons with you and discover together how these little delights have stood the test of time.
For more information about our macarons and baking classes, visit Nanatang’s website or contact us today.
