“Petits pois au lard” sounds a bit disgusting, but it’s just French for “peas and bacon”. Of course, if you see these in a candy store, they’re not actually peas and bacon, but old fashioned French candies with a slightly aniseed flavor.
I was told these cute little candies were popular back in the early 20th century, and that they were originally created by a French canned vegetable company to try and get kids more interested in eating their veggies (and, er, pork products). I haven’t been able to find any hard facts about the origins, so if anyone has any info do please post it in the comments below. You can find these in any boutique that sells old-fashioned candies, such as Legrand Filles et Fils on Rue de la Banque (photo) or Le Bonbon au Palais on Rue Monge.
Not only the pork thing… Why would making peas taste like candy inspire kids to eat peas? After eating these, a kid would never want to eat the real thing!
when i read the word "peas and bacon" i looked back at the picture to see if there was really a bacon on it. and it was there! but still curious about it so i continue reading to know that it was only a candy. but the peas looks so real but the bacon looks like a marsh mallow.why would they (french canned vegetable) actually inspired kids to eat pork? do kids in france hate pork? nice post by the way!