Culinary specialities from the Poitou region.
In this article, we’re going to talk about gastronomy, and not just any gastronomy: that of Poitou-Charentes ! What do you think are the region’s specialities ? Did you know that we have cheese, wine and even melon ?
Melon du Haut-Poitou :
A hand-picked, round-shaped melon with firm orange flesh, fruity and juicy. It is very fragrant, which makes it excellent.
It can be eaten on its own, with Pineau des Charentes or goat’s cheese.
Recipe idea :
Cut the melon in half, remove the seeds and add 2 tablespoons of Pineau des Charentes rosé to the hollow of each half.
Chabichou du Poitou :
This goat’s cheese is made from pure goat’s milk, and has the specific shape of a small truncated cone. It has had an “Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée” (AOC) since 1990 and an “Appellation d’Origine Protégée” (AOP) since 1996.
Its taste is sweet and unctuous, and it goes perfectly with Haut-Poitou melon as an aperitif.
Bûche du Poitou :
This is a soft goat’s milk cheese with a natural rind. It is cylindrical in shape. It is said to have a nutty flavor.
It also goes very well with Haut-Poitou melon.
Its color can be white or bluish-gray if it has been ashed.
Mothais sur feuille du Poitou :
This is a soft cheese with a natural rind, made exclusively from fresh, whole, raw goat’s milk. It is cylindrical in shape. It is soft and creamy.
It is matured on a chestnut or plane tree leaf. The leaf keeps the cheese moist and preserves its fine, creamy, flavorful texture.
Le Beurre AOP Du Poitou-Charentes :
It has had the “Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée” (AOC) since 1979 and the “Appellation d’Origine Protégée” (AOP) since 2009.
It is made exclusively from pasteurized cream produced by local farmers.
It is distinguished from other butters by its thick creamy aroma and fruity notes.
Le Farci Poitevin :
A typical green Poitou appetizer eaten mainly as a terrine, but can also be eaten hot.
It’s mostly a mix of vegetables with eggs: cabbage, lettuce, chard, leeks, sorrel, spinach, etc.
It can be eaten with raw vegetables or on a slice of bread.
Don’t be afraid of its color or its exterior , it’s a delight ! You really must try it.
Le Tourteau Fromager :
Its name comes from “tourterie”, which means “cake” in Poitevin dialect. At the time, people ate tarts made with white goat cheese. It’s thought that this cake was born by mistake, when a cheese-maker forgot to put a goat’s cheese cake in the oven. The cake had a black crust and was all puffed up. Once the cake was opened, she discovered that the inside was not burnt, but above all that the cake was very moist and very tasty.
I’ve eaten it from time to time, and it’s a very good cake. Surprising, yes, with its black color on top, but it’s so moist and melt-in-your-mouth that you always want another slice.
Les Macarons de Montmorillon :
When we talk about Montmorillon macaroons, we’re essentially talking about the Ranou-Métivier brand. Labeled “Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant”, the company has been in existence for 5 generations. Its macaroons have a tender almond heart. There are several flavors, but the best-known is the “nature” almond one.
They’re delicious at any time of day, as an afternoon snack with a cup of tea, coffee or hot chocolate.
Le Broyé Du Poitou :
It’s a delicious golden butter cake, both crumbly and hard.
In the old days, this cake had to be “crushed” by punching the center and then shared.
It is, of course, made with AOP butter.
Today, the Broyé comes in many forms, including “galettes”, berlingots and mini galettes.
You’ll find it everywhere, at meetings, weddings and receptions.
La nougatine du Poitou :
This pretty pink bonbon is said to have been created at the end of the 19th century by an artisan from Poitou, using a recipe dating back to 1850.
It’s a little ball of nougatine made from sugar and crushed almonds, all coated in powdered pink royal icing.
La Dame Blanche du Poitou :
We’re not talking vanilla ice cream here, but a perfectly molded floating island.
Le Vin AOC du Haut-Poitou :
Haut-Poitou white wine has the French “Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée” (AOC) label and the European “Appellation d’Origine Protégée” (AOP) label.
Poitou wines come in several varieties :
White, Red and Rosé, all of which are dry wines characterized by freshness and lightness.
