This text is part of the special book Plaisirs
Edible forest products have carved out a special place for themselves on our plates in recent years. More and more companies now offer to combine hiking and gourmet discoveries.
BBQ on snowshoes in Lanaudière
In Saint-Jean-de-Matha, the Val-Notre-Dame Abbey store has designed a multitude of gourmet experiences for epicureans, including the two-hour snowshoe BBQ hike. Led by the Walkers of the woods, Josée Miller and Jean-Guy Sergerie, the 1.4 kilometer walk sharpens the eye as much as the taste buds. “You can easily spot the chagas on the trees and see plants, like goldenrod, peeking through the snow,” says Hélène Marchand, general manager.
On the menu: forest hot-dog made with homemade naan with balsam fir and pure pork sausage from Cochon hundred ways, wilted cabbage cooked over a wood fire with a mixture of spices and forest condiments. This is followed by a wintergreen biscuit, a forest herbal tea and a chaga decoction. Themed menus are also offered, especially for Valentine’s Day. “There will also be a full moon hike on March 18, a BBQ hike for sugaring off and mussels and fries time in April, as well as a mini-hike for children during the spring break, underlines Hélène Marchand. We will have them taste forest products near a fox den. »
Those who wish to get more information in their mouths will no doubt appreciate the hike Discovering the balsam fir, with expert guide François Patenaude. For three hours, participants learn how to recognize, pick and store the tree, how to use it in the kitchen, and leave with some recipes.
For adults: $50. For children: $25. It is possible to rent snowshoes on site
Gourmet forest in Charlevoix
Several Massif skiers have no doubt already spotted the Gourmet Forest truck at the foot of the mountain, where hot chocolate with mountain peppercorns, maple milk coffees, brownies with spruce shoots and other forest teas. In both summer and winter, the guides of the Coop de l’arbre take visitors on two-hour walks to learn how to identify wild and edible plants, pick them responsibly and taste them.
If the idea had been simmering since 2019, it was at the end of 2020 that the project took off. “We added a guided tour component to introduce 15 to 25 wild edible plants depending on the season and taste them,” explains Antoine Suzor-Fortier, coordinator at the Coop de l’arbre. There are always tasting sessions on the way back. This is an opportunity to learn about both ecological and culinary aspects. “In winter, for example, we present the chaga, which grows on the white birch. We mainly address the gourmet question: how to use it as an infusion, put it into powder, etc. We also taste a cream or an infusion of chaga. Bannock bread is also served around the fire.
If it is necessary to book at this time, visits without reservation will be possible every Saturday from February 26 to April 16. For adults: $38.15. For students: $33.86.
Gourmet trip to Jacques-Cartier National Park
Very popular with foreign visitors, Quatre Natures defines itself as an “adventure all-inclusive”. The company offers a host of guided activities in the Jacques-Cartier River Valley, about 30 minutes from Quebec City, including a gourmet hike. “We introduce people to products like Gourmet Sauvage fir jelly, in addition to tasting sap directly from the trees,” explains company director Yohann Moucheboeuf.
Lunch and equipment are included in the three-hour package. “We also talk about the history of the park, the fauna and flora. It’s not a difficult hike, but it’s a plus to have information that you wouldn’t have if you went alone. Quatre Nature also offers guided outings on Nordic skis and snowshoe skis (ski Hok).
Price: $79 (with meals and equipment). Reservation required.