The chausson aux pommes is a French pastry filled with applesauce.
The chausson aux pommes is a French pastry filled with applesauce.
It originated in the 16th century. The legend[ which? ] says that after a plague epidemic that killed a part of Saint-Calais' population in 1580, the chatelaine would have offered a sort of apple pie to the survivor still living there. [1]
After the end of the epidemic in Saint-Calais (Pays-de-la-Loire region in France), considered by many as a miracle, a procession was organized to celebrate the event each first Sunday of September, including a sale of the apple pastry was organized in memory of the chatelaine's gesture. Since then, the celebration evolved but remained as a gastronomic and traditional meet up. [2]
Since the 18th century, the pastry is called chausson aux pommes after the technique used to fill the dough with an apple puree, just like putting on slippers. [3]
In 1992, the Confrérie of Chausson aux Pommes was created to perpetuate this tradition. [4] The chausson aux pommes has become an emblematic product of Saint-Calais.
In September 2023, the city of Saint-Calais celebrated the 393rd edition of the Chausson aux pommes' festival. [5] Those celebrations usually gather several thousands of visitors each year and host shows, markets, exhibitions, and concerts. [6]