The 13 Desserts of Provence Gift Box
Reflecting the idea of opulence and conviviality, the 13 desserts have been part of Provençal tradition since the 17th century. They symbolize abundance after Advent. In Provence, they are served at the end of the meal.
This box set contains 13 traditional desserts from Provence: almonds from Provence, French hazelnuts, flame raisins, dried figs (representing the four religious orders: the Mendiants), dried apricots, calissons d'Aix, white and black nougats from Provence, slices of candied clementines, apricot and fig fruit jellies from Provence, Medjoul dates, orangettes, and the famous Gibassié, a shortbread cracker.
This tradition reflects the soul and history of Provence, uniting guests in a spirit of conviviality and generosity.
To support the beekeeping industry, €1 will be donated to Act for Planet for each box purchased.
Store away from heat and humidity.
Weight: 870g
An ancestral custom, tasting the thirteen desserts is an essential part of Provençal Christmas Eve. We present an elegant 13 Desserts box in festive colors, containing delicious specialties from our region.
The 13 desserts are as much a celebration of a typical Provençal tradition as they are an unmissable opportunity to discover tasty treats.
The tradition of the 13 desserts of Provence: a delight full of symbolism
This Provençal tradition of indulgence dates back to at least the 17th century. A sign of abundance on the table, the variety of desserts embodies celebration, comfort, and the pleasure of celebration.
Why 13 desserts? In the 20th century, the many sweets piled high on Christmas tables took on religious symbolism. The number 13 represents the Last Supper, Christ's final banquet with his apostles. It carries the mark of sharing, conviviality, and spiritual union, while recalling Christ's imminent sacrifice.
Traditionally, these 13 desserts are displayed for three days on a table covered with three tablecloths on which three candles are placed. The Trinity is invited onto the plates of believers. Although this highly codified ritual is dying out today, the custom of enjoying the 13 desserts is still very much alive and has won over all food lovers.
Flavors and sharing: the 13 Desserts du Roy René box set
The 13 Desserts box set contains delicious traditional treats. First, there are the four mendiants, representing the orders of the Augustinians, Carmelites, Franciscans, and Dominicans: French hazelnuts, crunchy almonds from Provence, dried figs, and raisins.
Added to these are succulent calissons d'Aix, our specialty listed as part of the Living Heritage of the city of Aix-en-Provence. Since 1920, we have been putting our expertise to work in creating these unique confections that perpetuate the ancestral sweetness of this Provençal recipe. Calissons are like little hugs, combining almonds, candied melon, and candied orange peel... A real treat!
Nougat de Provence, which inspired the story of King René, accompanies these sweet treats from the south of France. We have carefully selected high-quality ingredients that have been cooked in a cauldron with precision and delicacy. In the 13 Desserts box, you will find our white and black nougats.
Around the gibassié, a crunchy shortbread cake also known as a “craquelin,” are gathered fruity delicacies: slices of candied clementines, apricot and fig fruit jellies from Provence, Medjoul dates (a symbol of Christ straight from the East), and orangettes.
Le Roy René's commitments
The 13 Desserts box represents the values of Le Roy René confectionery. For every box purchased, we donate €1 to the Act For Planet association to support the French beekeeping industry.
Le Roy René is committed to preserving the black bee in Provence, an endemic species that is now at risk of extinction, and sponsors several hives with a young beekeeper to support the local industry.
The 13 Desserts box is not only about tradition and indulgence, it is also a tribute to Provence's living heritage.
