The medialunas are exquisite, over time they became an Argentine classic, as much as the chocotorta, and other Buenos Aires delicacies.
They have many versions: fat, butter, bakery (that is, industrialized). The name derives from the French “Croissant”, which among other things is defined as “growing”, because they say that the French popularized them in the world. However, it was not in its true origin.
According to the historian Daniel Balmaceda, The origin of croissants is in Austria, contrary to popular belief that finds its invention in France. It is said that this emblematic piece of pastry served to put an end to a military blockade that affected the city of Vienna. It marked the defeat of the troops of the grand vizier Merzifonlu “Kará” Mustafa, one of the leaders of the then called Ottoman Empire.
The crescents as a symbol of a military defeat
The Turks besieged Vienna for the second time. They began to dig a tunnel to surprise those led by Emperor Leopold I (Archduke of Vienna) and John III Sobiesk. However, They didn’t know that the bakers were working at that time. The employees gave a notice, which led to the defeat of the Turks.
It was then, in recognition of the bakers, The emperor allowed them to carry swords on their belts. So, the bakers decided to create two breads: one who identified himself as “Leopoldo”, and “Halbmond”, which in German means “half moon.” Later, the typical Creole invoices would appear on the scene, another bakery delight.
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