Happy Valentine’s Day! In Finland it is more of a celebration between close friends or beloved members. By invited to a meet-up event from Institute Français de Finlande at night before 14th, the surprise treat, petals de violettes naturelles cristallisées from Paris Ladurée, wrapped in a crystal-clear packaging tide atop of a baby pinkish ribbon, makes the Valentine tea time more alternatively inviting.
Originated from south of France, Crystallised violet petals, or called violettes de Toulouse, are approximately 2-5mm in size, made of sugar, natural violet flowers, acacia gum and natural colourings. Still commercially made in Toulouse, that hot syrup is poured over the fresh flower (or the flower is immersed in the syrup) and stirred until the sugar recrystallizes and has dried. Violet petals can be nibbled on as they are, or used to garnish cakes, while recommended as perfect for popping in a glass of champagne or sparkling wine. Still, the intense violet scent conjuring up with earl grey tea and Jules Destrooper butter waffles, are the perfect finishing touch to French-style teatime.
The choice of tea on Valentine’s Day is Mariage Frères Earl Grey French Blue. I’ve been always fascinated by the various flavor of Mariage Frères during the duty at Louis Vuitton, and finally purchased at Nice Airport duty free. The high quality of Mariage Frères tea bags rely on the use of original French cotton muslin sachets, allow China black tea, velvety bergamot, cornflower and royal blue flowers to give out the sweet and rich aroma while pouring 90’c simmering water. Founded on 1stJune in 1854 by brothers Henri and Edouard Mariage, before the tea trade and tea salon business, Mariage brother began voyaging on behalf of the royal court in 1660: Pierre was sent to Madagascar on a mission for the French East India Company, while Nicolas made to Persia and India before being named part of an official deputation sent by Louis XIV.
For the teacup, I love to discover a bargain at local theft stores or at Retro & Vintage Expo in Helsinki. In total 3 EUR for a set of 12 pieces of China bones, engraved with lily in pastel grey and deep purple hues, while bronzing the edges of the tea sauce, Bavaria Scherzer teacup collection is a surprise discovery. The firm was established in Rehau, 1880 by Johann Nicol Adam Zeh, in 1910 it was transformed into a limited company Porzellanfabrik Zeh, Scherzer & Co. A.G., and exported over 70 percent of production to United States, while Bavaria Scherzer ceased its production of porcelain in 1992. My collection of the trademark, at the bottom, without ZEH, lists SCHERZER BAVARIA GERMANY, with a royal crown above the text.
For the additional snacks at French-style afternoon teatime, Jules Destrooper waffle cookies with natural butter and sugar from Belgium, is my all-time favourite, with Wilkin & Sons honey and raspberry jam, they are balancing the strong taste of Mariage Prères black tea. Since the petals de violettes naturelles cristallisées from Paris Ladurée are in hues of pink and purple, a touch of Mozart chocolate balls, with folio-wrap details of copper gold and burgundy red, and the Japanese sushi-shape lollipop are very welcome on the setting of photography. Valentine’s Day major theme doesn’t always have to stick with poppy reddish: while violet, pink, grey and gold can altogether compose la petite chanson d’amour.
Special Thanks: JFB
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