The clichés of apple trees weighed down with juicy fruit or an urn of milk from the farm are not so old-fashioned. Orne in Normandy has always been proud of its local produce… and you’ll be back for more!
ENJOY THE FORGOTTEN PLEASURE OF GRANNY’S APPLE TART.
Slowly ripening in the orchards of Orne, more than four hundred varieties of apple are present in the region. Between eating apples and juice apples, crunchy apples, acidic apples and sweet apples, there’s a variety to suit every taste. The ecomuseum at Le Sap-en-Auge unveils the production secrets of cider and calvados. While the apple is the star, its loyal cousin the pear is cultivated by a handful of producers. In the Domfrontais area, over 100,000 trees produce pears for Poiré, the perry that boasts the smallest PDO area in France. This sparkling alcoholic beverage should be drunk chilled or even with ice (and always responsibly)!
3 INGREDIENTS THAT SHOULD BE IN EVERY KITCHEN
A pot of Ferme de l’Etoile crème fraîche produced by the Simoën family: a raw cream and bronze medal-winner in 2020 on the family’s very first participation in the Paris Agricultural Show competition. You’ll find it at the market in Mortagne-au-Perche, straight from the farm, and in several shops in Orne and the Paris region.
Apple balsamic vinegar from Les Vergers de la Morinière: made from apple juice condensed in a cauldron and cider vinegar, it makes an elegant accompaniment to foie gras or fruit salad made with fresh strawberries.
La Brume Calvados with vanilla, again from Les Vergers de la Morinière: spray it over sorbets to add a subtle flavour to your dessert.
A CHEESE PLATTER TO AMAZE YOUR FRIENDS
Did you know?
Camembert, the very symbol of French gastronomy, was invented in Orne in Normandy during the 18th century. First created in the village of the’ same name, authentic cambembert can still be enjoyed when you visit the region’s dairy farmers, who are proud of their local production. For sweet-and-sour fans, Normandy’s white-mould cheeses go extremely well with apples and pears. You can purchase a delicious gift basket of the region’s culinary specialities and watch your friends or family succumb to the delights of Normandy.
Tasting weekend
