4 essential ingredients for cooking!

Many ingredients from Quebec's boreal forest are known to a minority of people despite the many benefits they provide at different levels.

Making little-known ingredients known

Quebec's forests are full of ingredients that can be used in a variety of settings and can help treat a variety of health problems. While still relatively unknown to the general public, Quebec spices are slowly beginning to gain recognition. They're slowly making their way from the boreal forest to our plates.

Unfortunately, most citizens have little knowledge of the ingredients that grow in our region and their uses. At Floèm, our mission is to introduce consumers to the richness of Quebec's terroir. To do this, today we present the essential local products you should have in your pantry, without exception.

1. Sweet gale

Sweet gale, also known as sweet wood, exudes aromas that are simply divine. This ingredient from our boreal forests is widely used in gastronomy and is therefore a must-have in our pantry. It is used in particular to season stews, soups , and game.

To compare sweet gale to a more familiar spice, it can be a wonderful substitute for bay leaves. With a flavor that oscillates between balsam fir and jasmine, we could say that this local plant tastes like heaven! We could also describe it as refreshing, hoppy, slightly bitter and peppery, but still resinous. Some people also find the taste of sweet gale to be similar to nutmeg. In any case, it is a local spice that is definitely worth discovering!

For your convenience and inspiration, we've prepared a "touski" soup recipe for you. Our wonderful dish, seasoned with sweet gale and mugwort, is available right here!

2. Dune pepper

Dune pepper is a staple spice widely used by chefs in fine dining. It's an extremely versatile local ingredient that can be used in a multitude of contexts. It's the perfect spice for introducing boreal forest products for the first time!

The ways to use this ingredient are simply endless! For example, it can be used to season and enhance marinades, salads, soups, and broths.

It's not only used in dishes, but it can also be incorporated into various beverages like coffee or herbal teas. In fact, we used this ingredient in our famous Aronia & Alder infusion. Quebec alder pepper adds depth and a resinous note typical of the conifers in our blend. It simply tastes like heaven. To learn about all the possible and surprising uses of this miracle ingredient, click here!

3. Mugwort

In addition to being known as a folk medicine resource throughout the world, it is also considered an edible plant. Indeed, among its many benefits, its addition to the diet aids digestion when used in small amounts.

Mugwort is used in many countries, such as China to flavor tea and rice dishes and as a culinary herb for poultry and pork in Western cultures. Additionally, the Japanese use this plant to add color and flavor to mochi (sticky rice balls) found in grocery stores. Also in Japan, young mugwort shoots are used as a vegetable. The dried leaves can also be used to make highly aromatic and slightly bitter infusions.

It pairs well with a wide range of flavors and was even a beer flavoring long before hops became popular! This plant helped kill harmful bacteria in beer.

To read our article on the many benefits of this miracle plant, click here!

4. The pimbina

Pimbina is a little-known ingredient, but it's bursting with flavor! This small berry, which grows in the forests of Quebec, is very rich in antioxidants. It's therefore excellent for your health!

In addition to enhancing recipes like never before, it adds a tangy and aromatic touch to your dishes. In fact, pimbina is used as a replacement for the classic cranberry in classic dishes. These dishes include poultry for Thanksgiving or during the holiday season in sauce. It can also be incorporated into pies! This small fruit mixed with other ingredients helps balance the flavors.

Pimbina is an ingredient that pairs well with the fruit of the rose (rosehip). So we concocted a Labrador tea infusion featuring these two ingredients. This is our Rosehip & Pimbina infusion, which won the jury's favorite at the 2021 DUX Grands Prix! These rich and balanced aromas really bring out the richness of Quebec's terroir in a cup. You absolutely have to try it!

Plus, to whet your appetite and inspire you, here's our recipe for Pimbina-seasoned chicken right here .