Have you ever tried the French delicacy called “Perigourdin” ? A slice of Périgord, where walnuts steal the show.

A Journey to the Heart of Périgord

Oh miam, miam! Join me on my culinary voyage, one that carries us to my South West, my beloved home turf. Here, amidst rolling hills, quaint villages, and the ever-present aroma of walnut groves, we embark on a journey to enjoy a regional delicacy : the Périgourdin cake. 

Where Walnuts Reign Supreme

Périgord, with its rustic charm and timeless beauty, is a land where the walnut takes center stage, a nut so cherished that it has earned the distinction of being the historic cradle of French walnuts. The story of this love affair with walnuts reaches back to the depths of prehistory, with the Dordogne valley boasting numerous prehistoric sites that hint at a connection dating back millennia.

A Wealth Born of Walnuts

The Middle Ages ushered in an era where walnuts played a pivotal role in the region’s prosperity. From the twelfth century to the eighteenth century, the humble walnut contributed significantly to the economic enrichment of Périgord. Nurtured by the fertile soil and temperate climate, the walnut orchards flourished, becoming a source of wealth and sustenance for the locals.

The Art of Hand-Cut Walnuts

Intriguingly, tradition persists near Sarlat, where the age-old practice of hand-cutting walnuts endures. This artisanal approach to walnut processing, passed down through generations, imbues the nuts with a character that mechanical methods simply cannot replicate. It is here that the soul of Périgord walnuts truly resides.

The Treasure of AOC

Périgord walnuts have ascended to a remarkable status, earning the coveted AOC (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée) designation. This protected designation of origin ensures that Périgord walnuts are cultivated, harvested, and processed according to rigorous standards, preserving the essence of the region.

Walnut-infused delight

If you love walnuts not only in a cake, why not discover some new recipes with this nutritious ingredient :

 You may enjoy a walnut soup or a pasta dish with walnut and camembert !

Do not forget to leave a comment and let me know how it turned out! And if you have any variation of this recipe that you would like to share, I would love to hear it.

Happy cooking and bonne dégustation!

Sixtine ;)