Also known as Jordan Almonds, Confetti (Italian), koufetas (Greek) and Molabbas (Arabic), the origin of dragées seems to date back to the ancient Roman times when honey coated almonds were given at weddings and birth celebrations. Until the renaissance, sweets were made with honey. It is not until the introduction of sugarcane into European kitchens in the 15th century that the modern era of confections started. These confections were made using almonds, hazelnuts, pine nuts, dried fruits and aromatic seeds covered with a coating of sugar.
As early as the1350's we find writings mentioning dragées. In fact, during the late middle age and Renaissance, the dragées seemed to be associated with lavish events and celebrations. In 1487 historical accounts say that about 120 kilos (260 pounds) of confetti were consumed at the banquet held for the wedding of Lucrezia Borgi and Alfonso D'Este, son of the Duke of Ferrara.
The use of dragées really began to spread through Europe (mostly Italy, Spain and France) during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, when the first "modern" confection factories appeared. Today, artisans produce the precious sweets on machines that recall the past using techniques and unique savoir-faire passed from generation to generation. It is a labor of love requiring constant patience and attention to detail.
The almonds are first hand harvested using long sticks. In fact the use of machines can destroy the old trees. The almonds are then hand sorted by size and peeled in special machines. Finally the almonds are put in large rotating basins. As these basins turn, liquefied sugar is poured in slowly and gradually in order to lightly coat the almonds. At the end of the day, the almonds must rest until the next morning when the same process resumes.This process of making dragées requires four days.
Unlike artisanal production, commercially made Jordan almonds are covered with starch and sugar. The addition of starch speeds up the production, making the almond heavy and altering the flavor.
Dragées are a perfect treats that can be enjoyed everyday, or used to add a special touch to any celebration. They always carry a thank you message to your guests and are an elegant addition to any décor or setting.
- We recommend mixing chocolate and Almond dragées to satisfy every palate.
- Don’t forget the metallic dragées in gold or silver for a shiny and glamorous look.
- During an event you can place small bowls of dragées on tables for both immediate enjoyment and for later enjoyment if the guests wish to take them home.
- Dragées can easily be used as elegant décor. Scatter them around the table and use these gems to complement any centerpiece.
- Dragées can complement a floral arrangement or even be integrated into one.
- See the chart below to choose your dragées colors. The colors may represent or symbolize a season, holiday, a corporate identity, or birthstone. You may even use them as décor in a variety of settings.
- At home: welcome your guests with a lovely and elegant display of dragées. Fill your crystal bowls with the dragées that perfectly match and complement your living room.
- In the office: a small bowl of dragées on your desk is an inviting way to “break the ice” or can even be a sweet treat to enjoy during the day; we can even match your corporate colors!
- For baking: these amazing dragées make perfect toppings for gourmet cookies and cupcakes; two treats in one!
- For travel or in warm weather, these dragées are able to resist heat much better than chocolates and truffles and thus are the perfect gift or favor no matter what the season or weather is!
So How much do you need?
Tradition says that each guest should get five almonds. If we need to use more than five pieces, seven, nine eleven or fifteen pieces are good options. Remember, It has to be an uneven number for good luck!
The amount of dragées used to decorate the tables depends on the particular décor desired. Usually one should expect to use one to two pounds of dragées per table of about 10 guests.
ENJOY!
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 2-3 chocolates
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Amount Per Serving |
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|---|---|---|
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Calories 259 |
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% Daily Value |
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Total Fat 20.2 g |
31% |
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|
Saturated Fat 12.1 g |
61% |
|
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Sodium 3 mg |
0% |
|
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Total Carbohydrates 23.4 g |
8% |
|
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Dietary Fiber 3.2 g |
13% |
|
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Sugars 17.7 g |
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Protein 2 g |
4% |
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* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending
- Did you know that the first dragée was created in 177 B.C, making it the first candy ever?
- Did you know that the dragée was one of Marie Antoinette’s favorite treats and that at all times she carried a dragée box?
- Did you know that the Almonds are an excellent protein source hence they are a great supplement to a vegan diet?
- Did you know that starting the 12th century European aristocrats started giving 5 almonds during special celebrations?
- Chocolate Hazelnuts Dragées:
- Milk Chocolate Hazelnuts dragées
- Dark Chocolate Hazelnuts dragées
- Coffee Beans Dragées:
- Assorted Real Coffee Bean Dragées
- Milk Chocolate Real Coffee Bean Dragées
- Dark Chocolate Real Coffee Bean Dragées
- Almonds Dragées:
- Assorted Almonds Dragées
- Milk Chocolate Almonds Dragées
- Dark Chocolate Almonds Dragées
- Raisins Dragées:
- Assorted Raisins Dragées
- Milk Chocolate Raisins Dragées
- Dark Chocolate Raisins Dragées