National Macaroon Day (May 31)

One weird holiday on May 31 is National Macaroon Day. Check out the other weird May holidays!

National Macaroon Day, celebrated annually on May 31, is a day dedicated to the sweet, coconut-based confection known as the macaroon. This special day is not just a celebration of a delicious treat but also an exploration of its rich history, cultural significance, and diverse variations.

When is National Macaroon Day?

National Macaroon Day takes place each year on May 31.

Don’t confuse this day with National Macaron Day, which takes place on March 20!

Who Invented National Macaroon Day?

The specific origins of National Macaroon Day, like many such food-themed commemorative days, are not well-documented. These special days often emerge from various sources: they could be the brainchild of food industry groups looking to promote a particular item, creations of enthusiastic individuals with a passion for the food, or even the result of marketing campaigns by brands or businesses.

For National Macaroon Day, it’s likely that the day was established by either a bakery, a confectionery organization, or macaroon enthusiasts who wanted to celebrate and share their love for this unique treat. The day has since been embraced by macaroon lovers, bakeries, and various foodies across the nation, who use the day to enjoy and promote these delightful confections.

In the absence of a clear inventor or founding story, the focus of National Macaroon Day remains on celebrating the rich history, variety, and enjoyment of macaroons. It serves as an opportunity for people to indulge in their favorite macaroon flavors, experiment with baking their own, and share their creations with friends, family, and fellow enthusiasts.

What Is the Difference Between Macaroons and Macarons?

Macaroons and macarons are distinct confections: macaroons are chewy cookies made primarily from shredded coconut, egg whites, and sugar, often dipped in chocolate, with a rough and textured appearance. Originating in Italy, they are known for their dense and moist texture.

Macarons, on the other hand, are delicate, meringue-based sandwich cookies made from almond flour, egg whites, and sugar, and filled with ganache, buttercream, or jam. They are smooth, with a flat base and a ruffled circumference, and are a classic French pastry known for their wide variety of colors and flavors.

The Origin and Evolution of Macaroons

The origins of the macaroon, a beloved sweet treat known for its simplicity and versatility, trace back through centuries of culinary history. Unlike its French cousin, the macaron, the macaroon is a denser, more textured confection, primarily made from coconut or almonds.

Early Beginnings in Italy

The macaroon’s story begins in Italy, with its name derived from the Italian word “maccarone” or “maccherone,” which refers to a type of almond paste. This term is rooted in the word “ammaccare,” meaning to crush — a reference to the crushed almonds or almond paste that formed the base of the original macaroon.

Historical accounts suggest that macaroons may have originated in an Italian monastery. The earliest macaroons were almond-based, similar to Italian amaretti cookies. These simple cookies were made from almond paste, sugar, and egg whites, and were favored for their long shelf life and high energy content, making them ideal for travelers and for consumption during religious fasting periods.

Spread to France and Beyond

With the movement of monks and nuns between Italy and France during the Renaissance period, the recipe for macaroons traveled as well. When two Benedictine nuns, seeking asylum during the French Revolution, paid for their housing in Nancy, France, by baking and selling these almond cookies, they became known as the “Macaroon Sisters,” further popularizing the treat in France.

In France, regional variations of the macaroon began to emerge. The town of Nancy claimed its version as a local specialty, while other regions like Amiens and Saint-Emilion also developed their unique takes on this almond confection.

Introduction of Coconut

While traditional European macaroons were almond-based, the introduction of coconut to the recipe marked a significant evolution in the treat, particularly in the United States and the United Kingdom. The availability of shredded coconut in the 19th century led to the development of coconut macaroons.

American coconut macaroons are characteristically moist and chewy, often dipped in chocolate for added flavor. In the UK, coconut macaroons typically have a lighter texture and are commonly baked with a piece of glacé cherry on top.

Cultural and Religious Significance

Macaroons have also found a special place in Jewish cuisine, especially during Passover. The absence of leavening agents in traditional macaroon recipes makes them suitable for consumption during this holiday. Coconut macaroons have become particularly popular in the United States during Passover.

Modern Variations and Popularity

Today, the macaroon continues to be a popular treat, enjoyed in various forms across the world. Its simplicity and the flexibility of the recipe allow for numerous variations, including the addition of flavors like chocolate, caramel, and various fruits.

The American Macaroon and the Introduction of Coconut

The macaroon underwent a significant transformation with its introduction to the United States. American macaroons are typically less sweet than their European counterparts and are most commonly made with shredded coconut. The addition of coconut to macaroons in the U.S. is believed to have occurred in the late 19th century, likely due to the increased availability and popularity of coconut.

American macaroons are characteristically chewy and moist inside, with a crisp exterior, often dipped in chocolate for an extra layer of flavor. They are particularly popular during Jewish Passover, as they can be made to be kosher for Passover, being leaven-free and often using matzo meal or potato starch as a binding agent.

Cultural Significance and Variations

Macaroons hold a special place in various cultures and cuisines. In addition to the American and French versions, many other countries have their own takes on the macaroon. For instance, the Scottish macaroon is a sweet confection of a fondant center coated in chocolate and toasted coconut.

In the Philippines, macaroons are typically baked in small paper liners and are more cake-like, using sweetened condensed milk, and often flavored with vanilla or nuts.

Celebrating National Macaroon Day

National Macaroon Day can be celebrated in numerous ways:

Baking Macaroons: One of the best ways to celebrate is by baking macaroons at home. Whether following a traditional recipe or experimenting with new flavors and ingredients, baking is a fun activity for all ages.
Macaroon Tasting Party: Host a macaroon tasting party with friends and family, featuring various types of macaroons. This can be an opportunity to explore different cultural variations of the treat.
Visiting Local Bakeries: Support local bakeries by visiting and sampling their macaroon offerings. Many bakeries create special flavors or offers in celebration of National Macaroon Day.
Macaroon Baking Classes: Some bakeries or culinary schools might offer macaroon baking classes, which can be a fun way to learn the art of making this delicate confection.
Sharing on Social Media: Share your macaroon creations or experiences on social media to join the wider community in celebrating this day.

Health and Dietary Considerations

While traditional macaroons are made with a lot of sugar, there are healthier alternatives and variations for those with dietary restrictions. Using ingredients like honey or agave nectar as sweeteners, almond flour for gluten-free diets, or creating vegan versions with aquafaba (chickpea water) are all possible.

National Macaroon Day is more than just a day for indulgence in a sweet treat; it’s a celebration of culinary history, cultural diversity, and the joy of baking.

Whether you prefer the chewy, coconut-laden American macaroon, the almond-based French delicacy, or any other global variation, this day is an opportunity to appreciate the humble yet beloved macaroon in all its forms.

So, on May 31st, grab a macaroon (or two), and savor the rich history and delicious flavors of this cherished confection.