Angelica is thought to have been introduced into the area around Poitiers in the early 1600s in an attempt to cure a plague that was raging through the area. Today, this attractive plant with bright green leaves and frothy flowers, is found in significant quantities in the area around the town of Niort and the nearby Marais Poitevin.
Most often in candied form, it’s used in cakes and other sweet pastries, but it is also used to make a poivrade, a savoury what that’s eaten with meat. Angelique is also used to make a potent liqueur – 40% proof! – that’s a pale gold in colour. Drink it with something sweet as an aperitif or with dessert – it tastes especially nice with chocolate and apple.