The dragee is a European sweet with a long history traceable back to ancient Greece and when almonds were served dipped in honey and known as tragemata. Today they are a popular confection in several European countries (particularly France and Italy) often made from whole almonds wrapped in a thin candy shell (though other fillings exist). They are also known as sugared almonds, Jordon almonds, or confetti.

In Europe, almond dragees often have cultural symbolic meaning and are a common gift to guests at weddings, anniversary parties, bridal showers, christenings, and first communions.

For example, at Italian weddings the interplay of bitter and sweet in the dragees’ flavor is thought to symbolize the newly married couple’s commitment to stay together through sickness and in health. Traditionally five dragees are given to each guest as a wedding favor (bomboniere). Not only is five an indivisible number, just as the bride and groom are meant to be indivisible, but the almonds are meant to symbolize the traditional five wishes for the new couple: health, wealth, happiness, children (fertility), and long life.

These Italian dragees are made from fine Italian almonds that have been delicately roasted and then coated in a thin (2mm thick), crunchy layer of white or colored sugar. White dragees are then individually wrapped in gold or silver foil.  All varieties are packaged in gold organza bags closed by a ribbon. You can select the color of sugar shell or foil you would like when placing your order.

For best shelf life, Store organza wrapped dragees in an air-tight container in a cool, dark place until you’re ready to use them.

These elegant foil wrapped dragees are shipped as preassembled favors, ready to give away. Give them to guests or integrate them into the place settings at a reception.