What do the snowy peaks of the Polish highlands, the charming streets of Toruń, and the vibrant squares of Wadowice have in common? Each place boasts its own mouth-watering, iconic treat—oscypek, gingerbread, and cream cakes, respectively. But when you stroll through the bustling streets of Poznań, your senses are captivated by something utterly unique—the unforgettable aroma of Świętomarciński croissants.

This culinary masterpiece isn’t just a treat; it’s a piece of Poznań’s soul, wrapped in layers of deliciousness. Intrigued? Let’s unravel the rich tapestry that makes this croissant not just food, but an experience.

The Heartwarming Tale Behind the Creation of St. Martin’s Croissants

This scrumptious tradition dates back to 1891, when Józef Melzer, a Poznań confectioner, found inspiration from the saintly acts of St. Martin of Tours. Inspired by the story of St. Martin sharing his coat with a freezing beggar, Melzer dreamt of the saint as a gallant knight, dropping a horseshoe. Taking this as divine inspiration, Melzer decided to create pastries shaped like horseshoes to give to the needy. Over the years, these delectable creations took on the name of St. Martin’s Croissants, and the tradition of baking them for the less fortunate is carried on to this day.

The Secret Sauce: What Makes These Croissants Irresistible?

Ah, the magic lies in the details—or in this case, the ingredients. Imagine a medley of white poppy seeds, vanilla, sugar, nuts, raisins, margarine, and zesty orange peel, all enveloped in semi-French dough. Crowned with sugary icing and adorned with crushed almonds and candied orange peel, these croissants are in a league of their own!

But it’s not just your taste buds confirming their distinctiveness. The European Union has stamped these treats with protected status. Only bakers in Poznań and Greater Poland, who adhere to a stringent traditional recipe, can craft these masterpieces.

croissant st marcinski hometown

The Privilege of the Certificate: Baking Rights and Wrongs

Want to bake these croissants commercially? Not so fast! You’ll need a special certificate, a mark of quality that’s not easily granted. At present, only 102 confectioneries in Poland have earned this prestigious accolade. Anyone else? They can’t even whisper the name Świętomarciński Croissant in their bakery!

A Living Tradition: How St. Martin’s Croissants Remain the Talk of the Town

Come November 11, the feast day of St. Martin, Poznań buzzes with excitement. Locals and tourists alike revel in the joy of biting into these freshly baked croissants, turning it into a standalone tradition. And for those who want to dive deeper, Poznań’s Living Museum of the Rogal Świętomarciński offers an immersive experience. Here, you can step back in time and even partake in the magic of baking these renowned croissants.

So, the next time you find yourself in Poznań, make sure to savour this unique taste experience. Because every bite of a Świętomarciński Croissant is a bite into the very heart of the city.

croissant marcinski by Bakery Mazowsze

Marciński: A Fresh Take Inspired by a Classic Legend

Can’t get enough of the captivating taste of Świętomarciński Croissants? We’ve got some delicious news for you! Here at Bakery Mazowsze, the legendary flavour profile of these iconic croissants has sparked our culinary creativity. We’ve lovingly crafted our own special twist, which we proudly call Marciński.

Our Marciński croissants capture the essence of the traditional Świętomarciński, blending both homage and innovation. We’ve meticulously developed our recipe to offer a new yet familiar taste experience for your palate. While we respect the venerable tradition that Poznań has upheld for generations, our Marciński croissants give you another delicious way to indulge in a piece of Polish culinary history.

So, if you’re ever curious about tasting a variation of a classic, be sure to try our Marciński croissants. It’s a love letter to a tradition, folded in layers of scrumptiousness!