PEACH AND GREENGAGE SALAD
A Regal Tribute: The Tale of Greengages
As the warm rays of summer envelop us, tantalizing visions of vibrant salads dance in my mind. Perhaps the crown jewel of these is the exquisite marriage of peaches and greengages in a refreshing salad.
Amidst the bounty of summer fruits, the humble greengage stands as a refreshing and sweet taste. Did you know that this exquisite green plum was christened “reine-claude” in honor of Claude of France, the esteemed wife of François the 1st and daughter of Louis XII? Its regal title pays homage to its undeniable royal pedigree.
With each bite of this delectable salad, I am transported to sun-drenched orchards and verdant meadows. The succulent sweetness of ripe peaches goes perfectly with the subtle tartness of greengages.
A Fruit of Rich History
Greengage plums, revered for their sweet taste and distinctive green hue, boast a storied past that spans continents and centuries. Originating from a green-fruited wild plum in Iran, these plums are believed to be direct descendants of their ancient forebears.
Royal Roots: From France to England
In the 16th century, greengage plums found favour in the esteemed royal gardens of Francis I of France, earning the moniker “Reine Claude Doree” in homage to his wife, Queen Claude. This regal association endures in France, where they are still known as Queen plums. The journey of greengage plums to England is credited to Sir William Gage in the 18th century. Legend has it that Gage brought a tree from Paris, inadvertently lost its label, and renamed the sweet variety after himself. This introduction heralded the widespread cultivation of greengage plums across Europe and beyond.
Botanical Identity
Botanically classified as Prunus domestica and belonging to the Rosaceae family, greengage plums flourish on trees reaching heights of 3 to 4 meters. Despite their brief fruiting season, typically occurring from late summer to early fall, these self-fertile trees yield a bounty of delectable fruits.
Sweet Surprises
Despite their green exterior, which might suggest tartness, greengage plums are celebrated for their unparalleled sweetness. Renowned for their succulent flavour, they rank among the sweetest plums cultivated worldwide, captivating palates with each juicy bite.
A Toast to Provence
No summer soirée is complete without a well-chosen libation to accompany the feast. For my peach and greengage salad, I recommend indulging in a glass of Côtes de Provence Sainte-Victoire Rosé, from the enchanting region of Provence.
Situated at the foothills of the iconic Montagne Sainte-Victoire, The renowned Côtes de Provence Sainte-Victoire rosé wine captivates with its bright, crisp, and fruity characteristics. Crafted from a blend of grape varieties including Grenache, Syrah, and Cinsault, this wine boasts a beautifully balanced profile with refreshing acidity, making it a delightful choice for any occasion.
A Terroir of Distinction
Nestled within the Côtes de Provence Sainte-Victoire wine region, vineyards thrive under the protective embrace of the Monts Auréliens and the Sainte-Baume Mountain. Shielded from maritime influences, the continental micro-climate and limestone-clayey sandstone soil contribute to the wine’s unique profile.
The flavour profile of Côtes de Provence Sainte-Victoire rosé wine is characterized by its bright, crisp, and fruity nature. It reveals concentrated aromas of citrus fruits and white flowers, with a beautiful structure on the palate. The fresh palate brings out sweet candy notes, gooseberry, and litchi, delivering bright acidity and ample length on the finish. Additionally, it has elegant aromas of red berries and citrus, with a balanced acidity that makes the wine refreshing and easy to drink.
The Elegance of Aging
Aged to perfection, the Côtes de Provence Sainte-Victoire rosé reveals its smooth suppleness and characteristic notes of spices, pepper, and cinnamon. The wine can be enjoyed on its own during a warm summer day!
A Journey Through History
With roots tracing back to the Phoceans, who cultivated vines in Provence over 2600 years ago, the Côtes de Provence Sainte-Victoire wine region boasts a rich heritage as France’s oldest wine region. Named after the Montagne Sainte-Victoire, this sub-appellation within the AOC Côtes de Provence sets rigorous standards for quality and vinification.
The Evolution of a Region
The Côtes de Provence Sainte-Victoire wine region achieved recognition as its own AOC within the AOC Côtes de Provence in 2005. This distinction reflects the region’s commitment to excellence, with stricter standards for yields and vinification practices ensuring the highest quality wines.
In fine
So, as you gather with loved ones to enjoy the warmth of the season, I invite you to indulge in the simple pleasure of savouring the taste of summer with my exquisite peach and greengage salad…
PEACH AND GREENGAGE SALAD
Ingredients
- 2 peaches diced
- 6 greengages cut in half
- 2 handful rocket salad
- 1 onion chopped
- 1 large avocado diced
- 1 handful blueberries
- sesame oil
Instructions
- In a salad bowl, combine all the ingredients listed above.
- Drizzle with sesame oil, toss delicately and serve!
Notes
Salade de pêche et reine-claude
2 pêches coupées en morceaux
6 reines-claudes coupées en deux
2 poignées de roquette
1 oignon de Lézignan coupé en lamelles
1 gros avocat coupé en dés
1 poignée de myrtilles
Huile de sésame
Dans un saladier, mélangez tous les ingrédients listés ci-dessus.
Versez l’huile de sésame et servez !
