The apple: symbol of Normandy, back on its history
It is said that Normandy is the "orchard of France". Normandy, its apple orchards lined with green grass, as green as an apple! This fruit offers multiple gustatory possibilities and above all, seems to appreciate the oceanic climate of the region. Let's go and meet this fruit symbol of the Normandy region! Normandy, its orchards filled with apple trees bordered by green grass, as green as an apple! This postcard image remains inseparable from Normandy. And for good reason, the apple is available here in all its colors.
NORMANDY ORCHARD OF FRANCE
The Middle Ages saw the cultivation of apples flourish in Normandy. And more precisely in the monastic gardens. This fruit offers multiple
gustatory possibilities and above all, seems to appreciate the oceanic climate of the region. A sun that warms without burning, a rain that
waters without drowning, a chalky and complex soil, this is what appeals to apple trees. From the 19th century onwards, apple trees are
legion in the region.
KNIFE OR CIDER? A DIFFERENCE IN TASTE
Those who have ever sunk their teeth into a "cider" apple know that not all apples taste the same. There are "knife"
apples and "cider" apples. Cider apples are smaller and have a bitter taste, characteristic of a concentration of tannin. There
are hundreds of varieties of apple trees in the region, which can be discovered in the conservatory orchards. The purpose of these orchards
is to preserve the Norman varieties, especially the oldest ones, so that they do not fall into oblivion.
THE BEAUTIFUL SEASON
Apples generally ripen between September and December. But if the picking of the "knife" apples requires a little know-how, it is a question of finding the right moment: the one when the apple is the most loaded with sugar. Picking cider apples is a little less complex: you have to wait for them to fall from the tree by themselves. In autumn, the activity in the orchards is in full swing, but to observe them in spring is also worth the detour, when the apple trees give to admire their beautiful white or pink flowers.
TASTE BUDS IN MOTION
Pommeau, cider, calvados, not to mention apple juice, apples from here are drunk. While pommeau, a precious combination of apple juice and calvados, is served as an aperitif, calvados, considered a liqueur, is served at the end of a meal to help digestion. But codes tend to change, and it is no longer rare to see a cocktail served with a calvados base. As for cider, it can be refreshing at lunch or dinner, or for those with a sweet tooth, it can be served with a slice of apple pie... of course!
WOULD YOU LIKE A SLICE OF PIE?
The Normandy pie is the most generous of all apple pies. In this pastry appreciated by young and old alike, the apples are eaten on a shortcrust pastry. They are accompanied by a sweet filling of Isigny fresh cream, powdered almonds and a hint of calvados. Taste it while still warm to perceive all its aromas.We propose you a recipe of apple pie here.
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