National Peach Melba Day is observed on January 13 every year. This day, created and named in honour of the popular opera singer Nellie Melba, invites everyone to taste this delicious and refreshing dessert. The original taste of this dish is made from peaches, raspberry sauce, and vanilla ice cream, however, multiple recipes change up the ingredients to match several tastes and create unique flavour combinations.
History of National Peach Melba Day
Peach Melba is one of the most beloved desserts worldwide and has been a popular choice on restaurant menus. This creamy-and-cool dish was inspired by Helen “Nellie” Porter Mitchell, an Australian citizen who came into the limelight as an opera singer.
While learning under German mezzo-soprano Mathilde Marchesi, Mitchell was encouraged to take a stage name. She chose ‘Nellie Melba’, with Melba inspired by her hometown of Melbourne.
In London, she met with the famous French chef Auguste Escoffier. Auguste was recognized for his imaginative dishes and luxurious meals. Most of his cuisines were named after the star patrons at his restaurants.
There is a Day for That!
Melba often used to her dinner at Escoffier’s restaurants when she performed at Covent Garden. In 1892, she was set to perform in Wagner’s opera “Lohengrin” at Covent Garden. She is said to have sent Escoffier tickets to this performance, which featured a boat in the shape of a swan.
In the evening, Escoffier served fresh peach dessert on a bed of vanilla ice cream and raspberry sauce and portrayed it on an ice sculpture of a swan. Another version of events suggests that this creation appeared at the Duke of Orléan’s dinner party, which he arranged to celebrate Melba’s successful performance. Regardless, this dish was the birth of our famous dessert.
After around eight years, Escoffier revisited this dessert at the opening of the Ritz Carlton Hotel in London where he worked as head chef. He recreated the peach melba, omitting the ice sculpture and topping the peaches with raspberry purée. Likewise, he also renamed the cuisine, Pêche Melba or Peach Melba.
Today, we might know everything about this dessert, but there is no detailed info about the origins of the day itself.
Timeline of National Peach Melba Day
| 1800s (The Chef’s Story) | Auguste Escoffier partners with César Ritz (of Ritz Carlton fame), making a name for himself as the head chef of restaurants located inside the Ritz hotels. |
| Late 1800s (Our Dessert is Born) | Escoffier created the very first Peach Melba — called ‘Pecheau Cygne’ or ‘Peach Swan’ — in honour of opera singer Nellie Melba. |
| 1900 (A New Version of Peach Melba) | Escoffier presents Peach Melba again, this time topping the peaches with raspberry purée instead of spun sugar. |
| 1951 (Another Claim on the Origin) | ‘Pijima’ was invented in a restaurant in Barcelona and Peach Melba is supposedly descended from this Catalan dish. |
| 1996 (The Original Recipe) | Escoffier publishes his autobiography, ‘Souvenirs inédits (Memories of My Life),’ and it contains the original recipe for Peach Melba, broken down into simple steps. |
- Peach Melba deconstruction: As a tribute to Escoffier, a deconstructed peach melba was served as the final dish at the famous Spanish restaurant, El Bulli, just before it closed in 2012.
- Melba hesitated to try this dessert: Melba hesitated to try this dessert as she was worried that the ice cream in the peach melba would injure her vocal cords. However, the raspberry sauce warmed the cold ingredients, allowing her to try the cuisine without risking her voice.
- More dishes for Melba: Escoffier also made a special dish which was thin, low-calorie toast for Melba to help her reduce weight.
- Peach Melba on T.V.: In “The Expanse” Amos Burton gave nicknames for another character ‘Peaches’ as a play on that person’s alias, Melba Koh.
- Getting peach skin: To get peach skin, peaches should be put in boiling water and plunged immediately into ice water. After draining it, the skin comes off and is added to the dessert.
Also read, National Bagel Day – January 15, 2025
Conclusion
National Peach Melba Day is observed on January 13th every year and commemorates the creation of the iconic dessert named after the famous opera singer Nellie Melba. This delicious and freshening dish is made using peaches, raspberry sauce, and vanilla ice cream. Peach Melba was first created by the famous French chef Auguste Escoffier in the late 19th century.
The creation of Peach Melba or “Pêche Melba,” by Escoffier was inspired by Melba’s successful performance in Wagner’s opera “Lohengrin” at Covent Garden in London. The dessert became popular in a very short time and started to find its name on restaurant menus worldwide.
Later, Peach Melba evolved with several recipes adding various ingredients to match the diverse tastes. But the essence of the dish remains the same, enjoying the delicious mix of sweet peaches, tangy raspberry sauce, and creamy vanilla ice cream.
National Peach Melba Day is celebrated to remember the enduring the legacy of this classic dessert and the creative genius and amazing chef Auguste Escoffier. It encourage people to indulge in the timeless flavors of Peach Melba and appreciate the rich history behind this beloved treat.
Frequently Ask Question
Who is the dessert Peach Melba named after?
The dessert Peach Melba is named after Dame Nellie Melba, famous Australian singer. She was a famous figure during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
When was Peach Melba first created?
The dessert was first created by the creative genius French chef Auguste Escoffier in the early 1890s, inspired by Nellie Melba’s performances at Covent Garden in London.
What are the main ingredients in a traditional Peach Melba?
Fresh peaches, raspberry sauce, and vanilla ice cream are te main ingredients of Peach Melba which creates a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
How can I celebrate National Peach Melba Day?
You can celebrate the National Peach Melba Day by making the original Peach Melba recipe, experimenting with variations of the dessert, or hosting a Peach Melba-themed party with friends and family.
What does Peach Melba taste like?
Peach Melba taste like peaches and cream, enhanced by the tartness of raspberry sauce, making it a refreshing dessert.
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