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The Loire Valley
More than one region has claimed the title, but the fertile valley of the Loire River truly deserves to be called the "Garden of France." It is possible to grow fruits and vegetables almost year-round here. Local specialties include Loire river salmon, shad, and the small freshwater fish used to make friture. Cardoons, shallots, tarragon, and fresh grape vinegar are all distinctive flavors of the region. Anjou, the area around the town of Angers, is famed for its orchard fruits -- prune plums, peaches, and especially pears -- although the fruits everywhere in the Loire Valley are magnificent. Just to the east of Anjou, Tours (the town that forms the centerpoint of the "Touraine"), is known for its charcuterie, especially its rillons and rillettes, made with potted goose or pork. The famous tarte Tatin (or, as it was originally called, tarte des desmoiselles Tatin) is native to the Loire Valley. The recipe is said to have been made public by two spinster sisters, gentlewomen who found themselves in difficult financial circumstances and were forced to support themselves by selling their father's special upsidedown apple tart. |
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