A dragée ( , , ; ) is a bite-sized

confectionery Confectionery is the Art (skill), art of making confections, or sweet foods. Confections are items that are rich in sugar and carbohydrates, although exact definitions are difficult. In general, however, confections are divided into two bro ...

with a hard outer shell, which can be made of sugar, chocolate, or other substances. Dragées come in various shapes and sizes and are often used for decorative purposes, particularly in pastries and desserts. They are also popular as a type of candy, with the coating providing a sweet or flavorful contrast to the center. Historically, dragées were sometimes made with medicinal ingredients, but today they are primarily enjoyed as a sweet treat. The term 'dragée' is also used to refer to sugar-coated almonds, traditionally given as favors at weddings and other celebrations in many cultures.

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Jordan almonds

In their most classic form of dragée and comfit, Jordan almonds, also known as koufeta, consist of

almond The almond (''Prunus amygdalus'', Synonym (taxonomy)#Botany, syn. ''Prunus dulcis'') is a species of tree from the genus ''Prunus''. Along with the peach, it is classified in the subgenus ''Amygdalus'', distinguished from the other subgenera ...

s which are sugar panned in various pastel colors. Jordan almonds are often used as wedding favors—like '' bomboniere''—with the "bitter" almonds and the "sweet" sugar symbolizing the bitterness of life and sweetness of love. The treats are often packaged in groups of five to represent happiness, health, longevity, wealth, and fertility.Chu, Anita. Field Guide to Candy: How to Identify and Make Virtually Every Candy Imaginable. Philadelphia: Quirk, 2009 At European weddings, the almonds are placed in groups of five—an odd number that is indivisible—to symbolize the unity of husband and wife. In the Middle East, Jordan almonds are considered an aphrodisiac so there are always plenty on hand for the newlyweds and their guests. The term ''Jordan'' is most likely a corrupted version of the French word , meaning , hence, a cultivated rather than wild almond. However, others suggest the term referred to a variety of almonds originally grown along the Jordan River characterized by long, thin, slender, rather smooth kernels in thick, heavy shells. Jordan almonds are thought to be derived from honey-covered almonds found in Ancient times. According to an unverified legend, a confectioner named Julius Dragatus served honey-covered almonds called dragati at weddings and births. When sugar became more readily available in the 15th century, the nuts were coated in sugar instead. Still others believe that ''Jordan'' is a corruption of the name of the town of

Verdun Verdun ( , ; ; ; official name before 1970: Verdun-sur-Meuse) is a city in the Meuse (department), Meuse departments of France, department in Grand Est, northeastern France. It is an arrondissement of the department. In 843, the Treaty of V ...

in the northeast of

France France, officially the French Republic, is a country located primarily in Western Europe. Overseas France, Its overseas regions and territories include French Guiana in South America, Saint Pierre and Miquelon in the Atlantic Ocean#North Atlan ...

. In the 13th century, when the medieval crusaders brought sugar to Europe after their campaigns in the Holy Land, it was very valuable and considered medicinal. During that time, an apothecary in Verdun began coating other medicines with sugar (calling them dragées) to make them easier to take. The town of Verdun became very well known for its .

Panned chocolate

Other chocolate dragées with multi-colored candy shells are M&M's. Initially designed to allow easy transport and consumption of chocolate for the U.S. military, they have evolved into a popular candy, but are also sold as decorative dragées in 25 different colors.

Easter

In Portugal sugared almonds () are the most traditional treat and gift rather than chocolate eggs. Entire aisles in supermarkets may be devoted to them in the run-up to Easter itself.

Medicinal dragées

Used to increase tolerability of bitter medication, medicated candies or sugar-coated pills can be referred to as dragées.

Metallic decorative balls

Another form of dragée is a small sphere of sugar, in the Commonwealth often called a ''cachou'', used primarily in the decoration of cookies, cakes, and other forms of bakery. These are produced in various sizes, typically in diameter. This is larger than nonpareils and smaller than large pearl tapioca. Silver dragées have long been used for both wedding and holiday food decoration. More recently, metallic gold, copper, rainbow colors (red, green, blue, etc.), and pearlescent colors have become available. In most countries, including the

United Kingdom The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom (UK) or Britain, is a country in Northwestern Europe, off the coast of European mainland, the continental mainland. It comprises England, Scotlan ...

and

, silver dragées are classified as food items. However, since 1906, US regulations have prohibited the manufacture or sale of any food that uses any metal or mineral substance, including silver, as a food coloring, coating, or additive. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration considers the silver and gold metallic-finish sugar dragées to be inedible, and they may be sold only when accompanied with a notice that they are to be used for decorative purposes only. Almonds that have been coated the same way are not permitted at all. Although the metallic-finish dragées can be purchased in 49 US states, they are no longer sold in California.

Notes

References

Sources

* ''Dictionnaire de Français Larousse'' (1996). * Richardson, Tim (2002), ''Sweets: A History of Candy'', Bloomsbury.

External links

{{DEFAULTSORT:Dragee French confectionery Nut confections Almond desserts Cuisine of Abruzzo Candy

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