What is a dragee? These are small sweets covered with a glossy shell made of fondant or chocolate. They usually have a round shape and are very popular with children. This delicacy appeared even in the Ancient World, in Babylon, and since then has undergone some changes in taste and appearance.
History
Ancient Egypt and Babylon - the progenitors of many interesting things, could not do without fudge in terms of desserts. It was in that era that the first sweets were invented - caraway seeds, anise or coriander, dipped in honey syrup and formed into a circle. It is believed that it was this delicacy that became the progenitor of modern dragees. Also in history there are references to candied fruit from Persia, but this is closer to marmalade.
Origin of the word
The debate about where the name "dragee" came from is a headache for scientists. Most lovers of ancient languages believe that the roots of the word come from the French word dragee, which came from the Latin tragemata, whose original roots go back to the ancient Greek tragemata, which means “delicacy”. But here the camp of scientists was divided into two halves, there were those who adhere to the other side.
In their opinion, the word is derived from the Arabic word “ajrad”, meaning naked, or from “jarrad” - to expose. It is in the latter that the logical chain is visible, because sweets are served without a wrapper, and those that have it are already called "malabbas" (in translation - dressed). In general, the word "dragee" has become a stumbling block for historians and philologists, perhaps someday they will decide where it came from, but the popularity of sweets will not change.
Dragee in Russia
Our country did not stand aside from the finds of ancient civilizations and came up with its equivalent of these popular sweets - cranberries in sugar. To this day, this delicacy can be called a visiting card of the domestic cuisine, a kind of national treasure. This dish is loved by many, but not only for its taste. Cranberries are a storehouse of vitamin C and other substances beneficial to the body.
There is a generalized understanding of what a dragee is. Classically, these are oval or completely round candies, smooth and shiny. They consist of a filling, which can be any, and glazes of different colors, possibly chocolate. Inside, sweets can include nuts, dried fruits, fudge, and a lot of goodies. From filling the name of the candy does not change.
The product has not lost its relevance after centuries. This can be envied, there are few left. Dragees are still loved by children and adults. He is taken on hikes and long trips, presented, offered at holidays and meetings, just treated to friends and acquaintances.