Called “continental” in hotels, the traditional French breakfast is immutable. But what is it made of?
- Pastries
The first croissants were sold in Paris in the 1830s. They quickly became part of the culinary habits, but it was not until the 20th century that they became a true symbol of French gastronomy. The first croissant recipe was published in 1891.
There are also chocolate rolls… As the name suggests, the chocolate bread was originally a piece of baguette filled with a few squares of chocolate. We then made it with puff pastry!
Brioche dough dates back to the Middle Ages, but the brioche we know today is believed to have been born in Normandy in the 16th century. There are several variants: the Vendée keeper, the Nanterre brioche, the Saint-Tropez pie, the brioche with candied fruit…
- The baguette
This is another must-see in the French culinary heritage! It is said that the origin of the wand dates back to the Napoleonic campaigns. To make the bread more easily transportable, the bakers of Napoleon I would have invented an elongated loaf. But there is another version according to which the wand was invented in Vienna, Austria, and imported to France in the 19th century. It would then have had a dazzling success in Paris in the 1920s, because its cooking time was less than that of traditional breads.
- Jam
Each French household consumes on average 3.87 kg of jam per year. Strawberry jam is undoubtedly the most popular: it accounts for almost 25% of sales.
We also appreciate those with apricots, raspberries, blackberries, cherries, peaches, currants or even rhubarb! A great way to start the day off right!
- The cereals
For many years, cereals have also been present on the French breakfast tables. They can be nutritionally excellent if they follow a few rules. Avoid refined cereals, with high glycemic indexes, as well as industrial cereals already processed. Choose oat, spelled or rye flakes, very rich in fiber and healthy for health. They can be eaten with milk, or mixed with yogurt and fruit!
- Tea or coffee
Which camp are you in? One thing is certain: it is impossible to do without these hot drinks to start the day. Both have many nutritional qualities.
- The coffee gives a good boost before leaving for work. Many people cannot start their day without their dose of caffeine! Coffee improves concentration and reflexes. Espresso, cappuccino, macchiato, americano, mocha … it comes in different forms and different flavors.
- Tea, on the other hand, provides antioxidants that help slow aging by fighting free radicals. The best is to consume green tea and even white tea, a true elixir of youth. Earl Gray, owed to the Prime Minister of the early 19th century, is the ultimate morning tea. It’s the most drunk flavored black tea in the world!
In addition to these two drinks, you can also enjoy hot chocolate, perfect for facing the cold of winter!
- Fruit juice
Many of us choose the easy way by buying bottled juice at the supermarket, but the best is to squeeze it yourself to keep all its benefits.
Orange juice is an ally in the fight against aging, and is very effective against winter diseases such as the flu.
You can also opt for apple juice, grape juice or grapefruit juice. To boost your immune system while being full, you can also make a smoothie by mixing a banana, a kiwi and a yogurt! Finally, to start your day off right, it is recommended to consume a freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Here is some vocabulary to talk about your breakfast:
- les céréales : cereals
- le lait : milk
- le petit déjeuner : the breakfast
- le pain : bread
- le jus de fruit : fruit juice
- le café : coffee
- le thé : tea
- la confiture : jam
- le miel : honey
- le sucre : sugar
- chocolat chaud : hot chocolate
- le beurre : butter
- pâte a tartiner : spread
- les oeufs brouillés : scrambled eggs
- le fromage : cheese
- le yaourt : yogurt
- un gâteau : cake
- le fromage blanc : cottage cheese
