For homebakers planning to have their special macarons for shipping, whether for business or simply as a thoughtful gift to friends who live far away, we've asked how experts do it successfully.
Pack your macarons in a special box or an air-tight container. Make sure the box is properly sealed and contains fillers to minimize movement while in transit. Put ice packs in the package to ensure their freshness. With the right conditions, macarons can last for up to two weeks.
Keep on reading so we can give you more tips and recommendations from long-time bakery owners on how to pack and ship your macarons. We'll share with you how to keep them fresh when shipping and how long macarons will last in the fridge and freezer. Let's get started!
How do you package macarons?
We don't blame you if you're badly craving for those soft and chewy meringue-based confectionaries that you once tasted from across the state. They are flavorful and colorful all at the same time which make them such a delight to our senses.
Some even put creative over-the-top designs on them that just keep us in awe. This is why these goodies are also great to send as a thoughtful gift to friends and loved ones.
But have you ever stopped to wonder how bakers are able to pack and ship macarons to you from their place to yours still looking as appetizing as ever?
Mind you, macarons are very delicate. They can crumble when not handled properly. There are also chances that they won't be able to maintain their delicious taste and quality if they're not packed the right way.
Those sweet and tasty macarons are fragile and perishable. That's why they require extra care upon packing and shipping. And we're here to teach you how so that you can be sure that these goodies reach their destination in the best condition.
Packing Macarons For Shipping
Before anything else, you have to prepare your packing materials. These are what you'll need:
- macarons box (or air-tight container)
- tissue paper
- tape
- corrugated carton (shipping box)
- paper fillers
- ice packs
- ribbon (optional)
It is important that you choose a good quality macaron box. This is typically available in retail stores or online with kitchen and baking supplies. Manufacturers offer different sizes so choose which one you'll need. Make sure the box has a base, insert, and slider lids.
Check out these macarons boxes on Amazon.
This is the most crucial part of your packaging as these parts will provide the much-needed support and protection for your delicate treats. The inserts will separate the macarons from each other so they can maintain their structure.
These packs will also add cushion or padding to your macarons box so that's dual purpose right there.
Ice packs are recommended to keep them fresh. Macarons are sensitive to temperature changes. Their flavor and texture can be affected when the temperature gets warm. That's why for bakery shop owners, ice packs are a must-have when shipping macarons.
Your shipping box should be only a little bigger than your macarons box. This will prevent too much movement while the product is being shipped.
To pack your macarons, you need to:
- Assemble the box.
- Put the inserts at the middle.
- Lay tissue paper at the bottom.
- Carefully assemble the macarons in the box. It is important to put just the right number of goodies inside. Put too much and they will fight for space and crumble, put too little and there would be too much space and they won't maintain their form.
- Close the box. Make sure that all sides are properly sealed.
- You can decorate the box with a bow to make it extra special.
- Place the boxed macarons inside the shipping box.
- Put in lots of fillers along the empty spaces to minimize movement and protect the macarons from possible damage upon collision.
- Place the ice packs inside the corrugated box.
- Seal the shipping box.
How to Ship or Mail French Macarons
- Arrange for pick up or drop by the carrier's office.
- Indicate the shipping details on the box.
- Choose Priority Mail or Priority Mail Express so that the package will reach the recipient only after a short period of time.
It is important to choose your trusted shipping company who can deliver your baked goods on time and can really take care of your package. Do not skimp on shipping costs. It might cost more but you have the assurance that the tasty treats that you've baked are in good hands.
How do you keep macarons fresh when shipping?
Macarons aren't your usual parcel for shipping. Aside from making sure that they don't crumble and break, you also need to ensure that the recipient will receive these tasty goodies in the best condition - as if they were served straight from your kitchen.
To do this, there are two things that you need to do: Store your macarons in the right container and include ice packs during shipping.
Containers
You can put your delicate macarons in an air-tight container. Make sure it is clean and dry. Place a layer of parchment paper at the bottom. You can also put parchment paper in between each macaron so that they won't stick together.
Put the lid of the container tightly so that no air or moisture can enter. If there's any gap, your macarons will turn soggy in a short time.
There are also macarons boxes that have been specifically designed to contain these confectionaries. They even have inserts so that these delicate treats won't touch each other and they stay secure in their place. Best of all, these boxes make your package presentable and ready for gifting!
Ice Packs
Some say ice packs are optional but reputable bakery shops always recommend the use of these products to maintain the freshness of your macarons.
Put them at the top and sides of your packaging especially if you're going to have them shipped to a far place or when you know that the area is dry and humid.
Get these ice packs on Amazon.
Macarons are delicate treats that are sensitive to temperature changes. They can melt under warmer temperatures. There would also be changes in their texture, taste, and appearance which is what we're trying to avoid here.
So, send these macarons using the right container and put in some ice packs to guarantee their freshness from your kitchen to theirs.
When the right conditions exist, your macarons can stay fresh for as long as two weeks!
Do macarons need to be refrigerated?
The simple answer to this question is yes, macarons need to be refrigerated. They need the cool temperature to maintain their freshness.
When stored only at room temperature, these tasty treats only stay crunchy and chewy for two to three days. But when you put them inside the fridge, they can stay fresh for as long as one week.
Of course, this is assuming that you kept them in an air-tight container. It is important that moisture and air are kept out so that their quality can be maintained.
If you don't refrigerate your macarons after two to three days, you can expect their flavor and texture to deteriorate.
How long do macarons last in the freezer?
If you want to preserve your macarons for a longer time, you should store them in the freezer. This is good news for bakers and sweet lovers.
This means bakers can make these goodies in advance, minus the filling. And for the rest of us with a sweet tooth, we can have a stock of our favorite macarons in the freezer! We can just bring them out and let them thaw if we want these tasty treats for dessert or serve them at our tea parties.
Once stored properly, macarons can retain their quality for as long as three months!
For homebakers, make sure that the macaron shells have completely cooled before you pack them. Again, make sure that they are stored in air-tight containers so that their quality will not be affected.
Final Thoughts
Put these delicate delights in the right containers and ensure proper packaging when shipping. When the ideal conditions are maintained, macarons can last for up to two weeks. But if you want to extend their shelf-life, you can store them in the fridge or freezer.
For more packing tips and resources, you may visit the following links: