The aperitif, the favorite "meal" of the French

APERITIF
The aperitif or aperitif is by definition the moment before dinner when you enjoy a glass of an alcoholic or non-alcoholic drink and something to nibble on. It is the snack that can precede the meal, a moment of conviviality where people get together to eat and drink, discussing and socializing, without necessarily having a meal afterwards. It is therefore a light meal that can also be called a "dinner aperitif" if it completely replaces the meal.

More and more French people get together for an aperitif, because at the aperitif it's the freedom that counts, everyone tastes what they want, goes from one food to another, tests new products and in a fun way. Gourmet recipes, original aperitif breads such as rustic breadsticks or chopped breadsticks, crunchy vegetables, antipasti, cold meats, without forgetting of course the spreads made from vegetables or fish such as a good tapenade or thoïonade which are very successful and are growing rapidly. Or, gourmet truffle-based products for a more sophisticated aperitif are very fashionable. An artichoke cream with truffle is perfect for an aperitif.

In short, the aperitif is a ritual that marks the separation between work and relaxation. Among the French, it is synonymous with well-being and leisure. It is a moment of sharing where improvisation and spontaneity take place.

APERITIF

But back to the origins and history of the aperitif. The word "aperitif" comes from the Latin "apertivus" derived from "aperire" which means "to open", therefore to whet the appetite.

In the days of ancient Egypt, people shared a few dates and dried fruits daily while enjoying a lukewarm beer.

In ancient times, the Greeks, too, shared "symposions" which means "drinkers' meetings". These meetings were organized in two parts: drinks on one side and food on the other.

In the Middle Ages, aperitifs were reserved for people of the upper middle class. The serfs of the time drank alcohol for the aperitif because they believed that alcohol was a remedy and drank it only for medical reasons with strict respect for the hierarchy. Higher circles drank plant-based wines to aid digestion and stimulate appetite.

It was also in the Middle Ages that the toast before eating was born. Indeed, the lords toast twice because, afraid of the idea of ​​dying poisoned, they thought that by toasting all the contents would mix and that if someone had put poison in their glass, he would have some in his. .

On the other hand, the habit of saying "tchin tchin" while toasting was born later. It comes from the British who were in China and who brought back a derivative of "tsing tsing" which means "hello".

ARTICHOKE CREAM WITH TRUFFLE

Then the aperitif developed especially in the 16th century, during the Renaissance, an era with more refinement. At the tables of the nobility, wine kept the best place, followed closely by cognac. But what most marked this era was the arrival of the tapenade at aperitif time, it has since been a staple at aperitif time!

It was after World War II that the aperitif really became popular. Drinks consumed as an aperitif at the time are still essential today, such as cocktails of all kinds and different wines. The aperitif turns (finally) into a meal which even becomes a new concept: the dinner aperitif. 

So it's official, the aperitif is a must. According to a study, 89.3% of French people regularly organize an aperitif and 63.6% of them prefer an aperitif dinner to a traditional dinner.

It is a moment of conviviality where everyone feels good and relaxed, indeed 98% of French people consider it a moment of human warmth that promotes exchanges where they can find their loved ones far from the rituals associated with the meal.

Discover our aperitif products!

black-tapenade
Available
Savoury Spreads

Black tapenade

Traditional Provencal tapenade made with black olives from Provence.
€5.90
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green-tapenade
Available
Savoury Spreads

Green tapenade

Traditional Provencal tapenade made with green olives from Provence.
€5.90
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tuna-cream
Available
Savoury Spreads

Thoïonade

The thoïonade (tuna cream) is a subtle blend of crushed olives and tuna.
€5.90
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artichoke-cream
Available
Savoury Spreads

Artichoke cream

The refined taste of artichoke (70%), with a hint of basil.
€5.90
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vegetable-caviar
Available
Savoury Spreads

Vegetable caviar

This caviar is prepared with vegetables harvested under the sun of Provence.
€5.90
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Anchoïade Anchoïade 2
Available
Savoury Spreads

Anchoïade

Anchoïade (anchovy cream) is an original appetizer cream with anchovies.
€5.90
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sardinade
Available
Savoury Spreads

Sardinade

Mediterranean sardine based specialty.
€5.90
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eggplant-caviar
Available
Savoury Spreads

Eggplant caviar

Delicious eggplant caviar made with Olive oil from Provence.
€5.90
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red-pepper-cream
Available
Savoury Spreads

Red pepper cream

Delicious red pepper cream with captivating colour and unique taste.
€5.90
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chickpea-cream
Available
Savoury Spreads

Chickpea cream

Chickpeas, lemon, oil, garlic and spices ... that's it!
€5.90
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olive-oil-ciselés
Available
"Ciselés" Aperitif crackers

Olive oil Ciselés

Original and tasty crispbread with extra virgin olive oil.
€5.90
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Spicy almonds
Available
Almonds

Spicy almonds

Delicious toasted almonds coated with an aromatic paprika-tomato mixture.
€7.30
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Seaweed Almonds
Available
Almonds

Seaweed Almonds

Delicious toasted almonds, coated with seaweed and Camargue sea salt.
€7.30
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