The Mag
The Domaine’s hives, an exceptional honey
The Maison Canard-Duchêne in Ludes has had beehives planted in its park of century-old trees in 2021 as part of its commitment to the environment.
It has ties to biodiversity as well as the Champagne culture.
Focus on this project to develop new production methods that safeguard the environment and enhance the magnificent terroir of Champagne.
The nature facility
In 2021, new occupants moved into the estate. In our park, five beehives have been placed next to the trees.
Around the House, buzzing noises can now be heard.
The weather in 2021 was unfavorable for the bees, just like it was when the harvest was taking place. The first honey harvest was consequently made this year, in 2022.
The honey is only harvested twice a year, so that it is sufficiently ripe, and to give nature time to do its work.
The nectar brought by the beekeepers is transformed in many stages and in a delicate way. So be patient and respectful!
An action that makes sense
The Canard-Duchêne estate can support environmental protection by protecting bee populations. Additionally, it is a project that fosters housewide unity.
Our primary goal is to fully embrace a profound and sustainable CSR approach.
Even more logical is taking part in the pollination of our region. Producing our own honey also enables us to offer you more delicacy with a 100% pure, consistent, and original product. Our honey is only available for purchase at the estate store.
Biodiversity partners
It has been established that bees are valuable and necessary.
They pollinate through pollen collecting. The pollen is transferred from one bloom to another by them in spite of themselves. So, fertilization happens when a pollen grain is dropped on a pistil of a flower belonging to the same species.
Insect pollinators are responsible for about 70–80% of floral reproduction.
Agriculture, the diversification of human nutrition, and animals that consume plants are all jeopardized if one component of this process is lacking.
Divine and varied nectars
There are different types of honey. We can mainly differentiate them according to the period, the geographical origin and the species of flowers.
– Monofloral honey: 80% of it comes from the same variety.
– All-flower or polyfloral honey: it has a varied taste, fragrance and colour depending on the soil and the species of flowers foraged.
– Mountain honey: it is produced on high altitude meadows and has a pronounced taste.
– Seasonal honey:
Spring honey: clear, subtle, delicate, mainly from fruit trees.
Summer honey: produced from summer flowers, golden yellow to dark brown in colour.
Although we are on the “Montagne” of Reims, the House currently has a subtle, sweet and creamy spring flower honey!
Instant recipe: poultry, spices, figs and honey
As the nectar comes from the flowers, a delicious combination of honey and champagne can be made.
We recommend the following recipe: chicken strips breaded with gingerbread, figs roasted in honey and mashed potatoes with hazelnuts.
For 4 people, you need :
– 8 chicken strips,
– A little over 100 g of butter,
– 3 slices of gingerbread,
– 8 figs,
– A jar of Canard-Duchêne honey
– 10 potatoes,
– 10 cl of milk,
– 100 g hazelnut kernels,
– salt and pepper.
For the mashed potatoes: boil the peeled potatoes in water. Crush the hazelnuts and put them in the oven for 3 to 4 minutes. Mash the potatoes with a fork and add the heated milk, the butter and the roasted hazelnuts.
Toast the gingerbread slices. Blend them into a powder. Wash the figs and make 2 cuts. Place them in a dish, pour honey over them and bake for 10 minutes at 180°C.
Fry the chicken strips in butter for 2 minutes. Then brush them with honey and roll them in the gingerbread breadcrumbs.
Arrange the plates and enjoy with a glass of our Léonie Brut.
A dish full of delicacies to awaken your taste buds!
These articles may be of interest to you
Harvest 2022 in Champagne
