Elderberry. A tree which produces berries that are used for making syrups and wines, while the flowers are used for wine or cordials or may be dipped in batter and fried. Elderflowers are also a traditional accompaniment to gooseberries in crumbles. In France the flowers may also be used to flavour a confection. Folklore has it that elderberries gathered on St John's Eve (23rd June) protect against witchcraft. I am not sure I have ever seen an elderberry ripe for picking so early in the year. The dried berries can be used as a substitute for raisins. Also a liqueur made from them.
Red mullet, surmullet. Sea woodcock. A high quality fish of a different family from the other (grey) mullets, and which has a far better flavour and lean, firm flesh. Its liver is highly prized. Do not confuse it with gurnard, which has a slightly paler colour. This fish may vary from pinkish-reddish crimson to rosy pink in colour with golden streaks and two long barbels on the chin.There is another smaller variety, Mullus barbatus, but this, Mullus surmuletus, is the most prized variety.
A light, dry, everyday wine of the Alsace region. It is named after the grape from which it is made.
Tablier de sapeur is ox tripe, known as gras-double, coated with flour, egg and breadcrumbs and fried. The tabliers de sapeur are named after the leather aprons traditionally worn by French firemen.
Pout or bib. A coastal fish, similar to poor cod, shaped like an elongated triangle with a copper-coloured back and silvery sides and belly. It is about 20-30 cm (8-12 inches) long. It has a short barbel on its lower jaw, long thin pelvic fins and two abdominal fins connected by a membrane, The flesh is lean, but rather flavourless and has many bones. It deteriorates rapidly, and so should be prepared very quickly.
