About larch shoots
Dried tamarack shoots (Larix laricina), also known as eastern larch shoots, have a resinous, slightly tart and woody flavour, with notes reminiscent of lemon and rosemary. Harvested in Québec, they bring a forest-inspired touch to your cooking.
This aromatic ingredient pairs well with fish, meat, vegetables and sauces. It also adds an original touch to vinaigrettes, pestos and homemade syrups.
Format: 15 g, available in a bulk bag.
How to use larch shoots
Ground: finely grind the shoots with a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder. Add a small amount to a seasoning, marinade, vinaigrette or pesto.
For culinary infusions: steep them in broth, sauce or warm syrup, then strain. A tea infuser or infusion bag makes them easy to remove.
In flavoured salt: combine finely ground shoots with salt to season fish, grilled meat or roasted vegetables.
Start with a small pinch, then adjust to taste to balance their aroma with the other ingredients.
What dishes pair well with them?
- Fish: add to a trout or salmon marinade, flavoured butter or finishing salt.
- Meat and poultry: incorporate into a seasoning for pork, chicken or game.
- Pasta and sauces: add a small amount to an herb pesto, a creamy sauce or butter for pasta.
- Salads and vegetables: finely grind and add to a mustard, honey or lemon vinaigrette.
- Broths and soups: infuse to bring a forest-inspired note to a vegetable or mushroom soup.
- Syrups and desserts: flavour a syrup for cocktails, alcohol-free drinks or fruit salad.
Ingredient and storage
Ingredient: 100% dried tamarack shoots.
Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, away from light, heat and moisture.
Frequently asked questions
What do larch shoots taste like?
They have a resinous, slightly tart and woody flavour reminiscent of lemon and rosemary. They add a forest-inspired note to recipes.
Do they need to be rehydrated before use?
Separate rehydration is generally unnecessary. Grind them finely to add to a seasoning, or infuse them directly in your recipe’s liquid, then strain.
Can dried shoots be used in pesto?
Yes. Grind them finely and add a small amount to your usual pesto, along with fresh herbs. They serve as an aromatic addition to complement the preparation.
What ingredients pair well with them?
Larch shoots pair particularly well with fish, poultry, mushrooms, butter, mustard, lemon, honey and maple syrup.
