Tuesday, November 22, 2011

SWILLING RHUBARB IN PICARDIE

Beverages for all that ails you
Lists of medicinal properties claimed for plants and herbs never cease to amaze. The one for rhubarbe is no exception. Originating in Asia and introduced to Europe by Marco Polo, rhubarb has been serving as a multi-purpose remedy for centuries. Today it's the plant most singularly associated with Picardie, a region in northern France comprised of the Aisne, the Oise and the Somme administrative departments. As an oddly refreshing summery pétillant fruit drink (Nectare de Rhubarbe has less than 1 % alcohol) or as a unusual warming winter tea, its liquid form has one of the most peculiar flavors your papilles will probably ever encounter. Sample or swill, according to your case...
Vocabulary
un thé:  a tea
les papilles:  the tastebuds
un soupçon:  a suspicion, hint of, a drop of
pétillant:  sparkling
©2011 P.B. Lecron

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