Navettes

Navettes are a traditional French biscuit, originating from the city of Marseille. The name 'navette' translates to 'shuttle' in English, which is a reference to the biscuit's distinctive boat-like shape. Navettes are typically made from flour, sugar, butter, and orange flower water, and are often associated with the Candlemas festival.

History

The history of navettes dates back to the 18th century, when they were first baked by the Four des Navettes bakery in Marseille. The bakery, which is still operational today, claims to be the oldest bakery in the city. The shape of the biscuit is said to represent the boat that brought Saint Mary Magdalene to the shores of Provence.

Ingredients and Preparation

The main ingredients of navettes are flour, sugar, butter, and orange flower water. The dough is shaped into small boats and then baked until firm and lightly golden. The traditional recipe does not include any leavening agents, resulting in a hard and crunchy texture. Some modern variations of the recipe may include eggs or yeast to make the biscuits softer.

Cultural Significance

Navettes are traditionally eaten during the Candlemas festival, which is celebrated in early February. The festival, also known as the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus Christ and the Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary, involves the blessing of the year's first batch of navettes in Marseille's Saint Victor Abbey.

In addition to Candlemas, navettes are also enjoyed during other religious festivals and celebrations in the Provence region. They are often served with sweet wine or liqueur.

See Also

• French cuisine
• Candlemas
• Marseille
• Saint Mary Magdalene