Originally from the city of Rouen, apple sugar takes the form of a translucent stick with a slightly orange colour, wrapped in paper and resembling one of the city's greatest monuments. This sweet was created in the 16th century as the trade in sugar from the Antilles was booming.
Apple sugar is made by heating up cane sugar and gradually adding Reinette apple essence and lemon juice. Very popular under the Second Empire, this treat only really took on its cylindrical shape in the mid-19th century. It was meant to resemble a royal sceptre or a marshal's baton.