BLACKCURRANT LIQUOR AND THE FRENCH PARADOX

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We often hear about the French Paradox and how drinking a glass of red wine a day is supposed to be good for you. But did you know that blackcurrant brings the same anti-inflammatory and antioxydant benefits that grapes do? Plus Vitamin C! Yes, so why not mix things up with some currant liquor?

I recently discovered Monna & filles’ crème de cassis (blackcurrant liqueur) at the Saveurs et Tentations event. Actually, it was the best thing I tasted there.

Monna & filles is a family-run operation headed by Frenchman Bernard Monna, who is a 4th generation liquoriste. In 1992, he decided to launch a product line made from blackcurrants, which are locally grown on Île D’Orléans in Quebec. Just three years later, his crème de cassis won the gold medal at the influential contest Vino Ljubljana in Slovenia.

This best-selling liqueur is creamy but not too sweet. You can eat it on ice cream, or add it to desserts, sauces and salad dressings. And of course, you can always combine it with Bourgogne Aligoté wine for a delicious Kir.

Port lovers will enjoy Capiteux, another Monna & filles product. It’s kind of like Port. Menawhile, chocolate fiends will enjoy a glass of their Madérisé. If you are looking for more ideas on how to use their products, the company’s official website offers more than 30 recipes.

Monna & filles products are all beautifully packaged, which means they make great gifts – something worth keeping in mind when shopping for souvenirs.

Monna & filles crème de cassis is available at the SAQ, Marchés des saveurs (website in French only) and Jean-Talon Market.

(Bernard Mona)

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