Ever wonder why some croissants in France are straight while others are curved? In Paris, the shape isn't just for style, it’s a code for quality...
This can be confusing for Americans, as they’ve grown up with the "crescent" shape (the literal meaning of croissant) as the universal symbol for this pastry.
This curved shape actually dates back to the Austrian Kipferl, the croissant's ancestor. While the rest of the world kept the curve, French bakers eventually straightened theirs to distinguish their premium butter creations from the budget-friendly margarine versions.
As you plan your European escape, remember this simple rule of thumb: stay straight for the butter! It is the easiest way to ensure you are tasting the very best of France, one delicious layer at a time.
(special note: While it is a deeply ingrained tradition in France, it isn't an "always and forever" rule, especially as you travel outside of major cities like Paris or look at modern artisanal trends. However, the distinction is real enough that you can rely on it 95% of the time in a French boulangerie. If you see both in the case, you can likely assume the straight one is "au beurre")
So we've added this video here not to help you locate the best croissants, (this video's a couple years old anyway) but to point out how obsessed people can get about croissants in France... Pretty much any croissant you get in France will be fabulous! Don't walk across town for a croissant, just go early and get one fresh out of the oven!
