Chausson aux pommes

The Chausson aux Pommes (French pronunciation: [ʃosɔ̃ o pɔm] ^ⓘ; or gosette aux pommes [ɡozɛt o pɔm] ^ⓘ in Belgium) is a Viennoiserie filled with applesauce.^[1] It is a form of turnover. An alternative to apple, filled with lemon cream, is known as a Chausson au Citron.^[2]

Chausson aux pommes

Origin

It originated in the 16th century. The legend 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 survivors forced to still live there.^[3][4]

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.^[5]

Since the 18th century, the pastry is called chausson aux pommes after the technique used to fill the viennoiserie dough with an apple puree, just like putting on slippers.^[6]

Perpetuation of the tradition

In 1992, the Confrérie of Chausson aux Pommes was created to perpetuate this tradition.^[7] 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.^[8] Those celebrations usually gather several thousands of visitors each year and host shows, markets, exhibitions, and concerts.^[9]

See also

• Apple strudel
• List of apple dishes
• List of pastries
• Turnover (food)