The name of the dish comes from pasta frolla (lit.'friable pastry'[5]), Italian for shortcrust pastry, and is similar to the Italian crostata. Italian immigrants brought it to Paraguay, Uruguay and Argentina.[6] Similar dishes include the Austrian Linzer torte and Swiss tarts with a spiced-fruit filling.[7] In Greek, the word frolla was misinterpreted as the Italian word flora.
The dish is served as an afternoon dessert (merienda) or with mate (a South American drink), but may be eaten at any time of the day.[7]