Auvergne Tarte aux Myrtilles
This mouth-watering, rich Auvergne fruit speciality is definitely one of the favourites in French Food and Gastronomy! The local Blueberries - or Bilberries - are indeed highly appreciated by gourmets in France, especially in the Tarte aux Myrtilles local pie. Blueberries are also valuable French products renowned for their nutritive and healthy qualities.
The Auvergne Blueberry Pie exemplifies the wide range of fruity desserts the French gastronomy has on offer. Candied or preserved fruits, fruit jellies and jams are some other French specialities made out from the delightul Myrtilles - which were recently declared "superfruits" by food experts because of their healthy qualities.
The original French Tarte aux Myrtilles recipe consists in adding - before baking - a typical migaine custard to the blueberries already arranged onto a homemade shortcrust pastry. The delightful mixture of eggs, caster or cane sugar and creme fraiche - sometimes complemented with powdered almonds - helps you to create an authentic moist and tangy Auvergne blueberry pie.
The authentic French Tarte aux Myrtilles is traditionally made out with fresh blueberries from the local Auvergne markets or bought at local producers'. But if you fancy this delightful dessert out of the blueberry season, that is not really a big deal! Frozen berries can be a good match, especially when complemented with fresh plump raspberries that would make the pie tastier.
Some Auvergne housewives also like to top the blueberry tart with some creme fraiche (fresh cream) or vanilla ice cream to soften the taste.
Blueberries are today renowned worldwide for being valuable "superfoods", rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants. Knowing that these tiny, delightful fruits are so healthy allow you to cook a traditional Tarte aux Myrtilles for dinner tonight without scruples!
Antioxidants are considered to be efficient protectors against inflammation.
Given that inflammation is partly involved in brain aging diseases like Alzheimer’s, it is highly recommended to eat "functional food", and more precisely fruits naturally rich in antioxidants like strawberries, blackcurrants, blueberries and oranges.
