What is the history of the croissant?
What comes to your mind when you think about a fresh flaky croissant with its scattering crumbs and satisfying crunch? Well, if you’ve been to Paris, then you’ll probably conjure up the image of the French capital on a lazy morning drinking a steamy cup of coffee with a croissant! Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and enjoyable on all sides! The croissant is as connected to France as a baguette. But what’s the origin of this popular and beloved French pastry?
Most food historians trace the humble origins of the croissant to Austria, where a simple pastry was a staple food since at least the 13th century. Denser and sweeter than the modern croissant, it’s believed that this dough began to change in the 17th century and became known as kipferl (the German word for crescent). It would eventually morph into what is today known as the croissant.
One of the main reasons why croissant is popular the world over is because of their versatility. You can either eat a croissant alone or stuff it with other accompaniments. I recommend that you try both versions but start with the croissant in its very traditional form before experimenting.
Some of the most savoury fillings include ham, cheese, bacon, raw ham, eggs, bechamel sauce, spinach, parmesan cheese, and many more. If you love sweet fillings, you can also try fillings such as caramel milk, jam, fruits, and chocolate. In essence, the croissant is so versatile that it can be used as sandwich bread.
Where can I find the best croissant in the world?
Although France is the traditional home of croissants, you do not have to go to France to enjoy perfectly-made croissants. This pastry is renowned all over the world and can be enjoyed almost anywhere. But where can you find the best croissants in the world? Well, let’s list these places.
- Aux Pains de Papy – London, England
- Du Pain et des Idees – Paris, France
- Amandine Patisserie Cafe – Los Angeles, California
- Dominique Ansel – New York, New York
- Lune Croissanterie – Melbourne, Australia
- Jason Bakery – Cape Town, South Africa
- Hof Kelsten – Montreal, Canada
- B. Patisserie – San Francisco, California
List courtesy of Petite Gourmets
