I’m taking advantage of our participation in the Les Aliments du Québec competition in my basket! -- ongoing until the end of August -- to introduce you to the producers of our star product: Caséal organic maple jelly .
It is, in fact, in partnership with Érablière Caséal that Comptoir gourmand du Centro (now Gourmande boutique) is participating in this national competition which aims to introduce local flavors.
The founding of the company
After becoming interested in the processing of maple products in the early 1990s, Lyne Girard and Richard Rouillard founded their own maple grove in 1997 on woodland in the MRC du Granit in the Cantons-de- ballast. Everything then had to be done. The trees had never been tapped. They then set up a small cabin and got to work.
Respectful producers
Their syrup production has always been done with the greatest respect for the environment by ensuring the regeneration of their sugar bush. The standards relating to tapping are scrupulously respected to ensure the sustainability of the resource. Producers also take care to use sterile equipment to limit the risk of infection and speed up the healing of cuts.
Nature is good to them. Their organic syrup has stood out every year, since 2014, as part of the La Grande Sève competition organized by La Commanderie de l'érable and which highlights, each year, the most remarkable maple syrups.
Product development
In addition to syrup production, in 2004, a whole range of fine maple products was developed. First with vinaigrettes and onion confit, then come, among other things, succulent maple jellies with varied flavors. It should be noted that, in the interest of ecology, the ingredients used in the making of the various products are, wherever possible, from local sources.
Success as a result
All these good practices can only lead to success. Thus, Caséal products can be found in an ever-increasing number of points of sale in Quebec. However, producers are thinking even bigger and have started, over the last year, to export their products to Europe, to the delight of gourmets across the Atlantic.
The company is doing well and, good news, the next generation is already showing up. Indeed, the couple's children are very involved in the project and actively participate in the success.
How reassuring it is to see that such a wonderful local business can last over time and continue to offer us its precious delights for a long time.
Caséal - Fine maple products
555, Chemin de la Yard, Milan,QC G0Y 1E0