Périgord walnuts
You're probably familiar with the noix du Périgord, but not all its secrets?
Contrary to what you might think, the noix du Périgord is not found exclusively in Périgord! The Noix de Périgord PDO extends a little further afield. In fact, some varieties have decided to flourish better here... go figure! This is the case for Corne, Grandjean, Franquette and Marbot.
Walnuts from Périgord: proud and responsible production!
- Walnuts have one of the smallest carbon footprints of any protein food available.
- Cracking walnuts, yes, but Périgord walnuts. They are local, offer different varieties and have an impact on our economy.
- Walnut oil is still produced with passion in mills, in the traditional way using ancestral know-how (as at La Vie Contée). Use it in salads or just on a slice of bread, it will delight your taste buds!
The history of walnut growing in Périgord
Ancestral natural presence and historic exploitation: walnuts in Périgord were already feeding Cro Magnon men! In fact, walnuts have been grown in the region for 17,000 years...
In the 13th century, walnut oil was considered as precious as gold. It was thanks to this oil that the region was able to make its fortune. At the time, it was used in painting and also to light cathedrals and other prestigious buildings. Little by little, walnut oil came to be used in cooking.
From the 17th century onwards, the walnut trade exploded all over south-west France, but this great era was brought to a halt by the arrival of the extreme cold of 1830. This drop in temperature led to a sharp fall in production. At the same time, new oils appeared in France, overshadowing the walnut...
A few tips for eating walnuts from Périgord
You can eat them both fresh and dried. Fresh walnuts will only keep for a few days in the fridge. You can dry them by putting them in the sun for several days at a time. Remember to take them inside when they become damp.
Fifty shades of... walnuts
Our region also offers several variations on the walnut.
They can be enjoyed at every stage of your meal:
- As an aperitif with the famous Quinquinoix from the Denoix distillery, an alcohol made from wine and green walnut juice.
- As a starter or main course to accompany your dishes and salads. A touch of crunch is always pleasant on the palate.
- If you're feeling a bit peckish, try our "chouchou" caramelised walnuts.
- And finally, for dessert, you have several options: an iced walnut soufflé or simply a delicious local walnut cake.
This nut contributes to the development of our local economy, in particular through companies specialising in the processing and marketing of nuts. They produce nuts, coulis, purees, praline and other complementary products.
Bon plan And walnut oil gushes forth from the Moulin de la Vie Contée
Between Turenne and Collonges-la-Rouge, a hundred-year-old mill pampered by Anne and Cyrille presses walnuts as if it were still twenty years old. Their favourites are called Marbot, Franquette or Fernor. They press them so hard and so passionately that a trickle of gold spurts out from under the millstone. Can you smell the sweet aroma of the new oil? Hurry up and taste it!
Moulin de la Vie Contée
19500 LIGNEYRAC
Tel: 06 23 02 60 49
laviecontee.fr
Open all year round
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