Dune pepper, also known as alder, is a widely used forest ingredient in northern Quebec. This shrub, which can reach three meters in height, produces kittens (botanical term) as flowers, this is the part that is harvested for use in high gastronomy. It can be eaten freshly picked or dried, it is generally found dry and whole on the market.
How does it taste?
It is nicknamed pepper, but in reality it does not belong to their category. It is rather a substitute and a local option for sourcing local spices. Its taste is very different from pepper, it is surprisingly complex and difficult to describe. It can be described as fir and resinous, peppery, with a slight bitterness that contrasts with its floral side. It is also attributed with citrus, dill, lemony and sweet notes. Very gently, it very well represents the scents of the boreal forest.