The violet candy of Toulouse is a crystallised Parma violet petal, sugar-coated to preserve the flower's perfume and colour. Booking essential at peak times.

Violets were first cultivated in Toulouse from 1850 in the Lalande quarter, with 600 families growing 30 tons of cut flowers a year by 1900. A Toulouse druggist first popularised crystallised violet candies in the early 20th century. The candies became permanent fixtures of Toulouse confectionery via Maison Pillon (1894). The recipe sugar-coats fresh violet petals one at a time, then dries them to lock in the perfume.

Where to eat Violet candy of Toulouse in Toulouse

2 editor picks for Violet candy of Toulouse in Toulouse, ranked by editorial score. All Toulouse signature dishes · Violet candy of Toulouse across every city.

  • Maison Pillon

    Order Bonbons a la violette de Toulouse

    Maison Pillon on Rue Ozenne is the canonical Toulouse patisserie and chocolatier since 1967, famed for crystallised violet candy and the cachous de Toulouse.

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  • Violettes et Pastels

    Order Crystallised violet petals

    Violettes et Pastels on Rue Saint-Pantaleon since 1995 is the only Toulouse boutique pairing the city's emblematic violet with the pastel plant, with jams.

    DetailsDirections

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Make it at home

Serves 3024 hrIntermediate

Ingredients

  • 30 fresh Parma violet flowers (food-grade)
  • 1 egg white
  • 200g caster sugar

Method

  1. Pick the violet flowers in the morning when they are still fragrant. Wash them gently and pat dry.
  2. Lightly beat the egg white in a bowl until just frothy.
  3. Using a small soft brush, paint each violet petal with egg white on both sides.
  4. Dip the painted flower into the caster sugar, coating evenly.
  5. Place on baking parchment to dry. Sprinkle extra sugar on top.
  6. Leave at room temperature for 24 hours, until completely dry and brittle.
  7. Store in an airtight container with silica gel. The candies keep for several months.

Editor tip. Use food-grade Parma violets (Viola odorata), not garden violets. Pick early in the morning when fragrance is strongest.