Products derived from nature and Luxembourgish know-how (I): Éislek
Luxembourg's terroir and its wide variety of local products showcase the know-how of the nation’s producers and the richness of our regions. Whether you’re visiting Luxembourg or you live here, you can (re)discover the country through its flavours, while embracing a sustainable and inclusive approach. In this series of articles, we present a small selection of products per region to inspire you and help you continue your flavourful and eco-responsible journey afterwards. Here, we set off to discover the culinary delights of the north: the Éislek region!
Éislek: two nature parks overflowing with delicacies
To the north of the Grand Duchy lies the tourist region of the Éislek, also known as the Ardennes in French and Ösling in German. With two nature parks and Luxembourg’s biggest lake, this region is a real treasure for outdoor adventure enthusiasts and lovers of local products and flavours.
Naturpark Öewersauer
Naturpark Öewersauer is located in the north-west of the region Éislek. At the heart of the park lies the Upper Sûre lake, the country’s largest drinking water reservoir. For many years, farmers and producers in the member municipalities have been committed to using innovative, sustainable methods that respect the park's natural resources such as water and energy.
The brand Vum Séi (which means from the lake in English) stems from this philosophy. It stands for top-quality products made in the nature park. The producers have adopted guidelines on the protection of drinking water, animal welfare-friendly farming practices, and the limited use of pesticides and fertilisers. Here’s an overview of Vum Séi products:
- Téi vum Séi: teas and medicinal and aromatic herbs.
- Bléi vum Séi: soaps, cosmetics and sweets.
- Käre vum Séi: grains for bread making.
- Gebäck vum Séi: breads and pastries.
- Véi vum Séi: meat products.
- Duch vum Séi: fabric from the former cloth factory.
Naturpark Our
Naturpark Our is located in the north/north-east of the Éislek region. The Naturpark Our is characterised by vast plateaus and narrow valleys carved into the rock by the Our and Clerve rivers and their tributaries. Unique biotopes which form vital habitats for a wide range of plant and bird species have been preserved in the marshes on the high plateau and in isolated areas of the river valleys.
Biohaff Miller-Mariany, located in Bastendorf (in the municipality of Tandel), is a farm that converted to organic agriculture in 2016. With production methods that work in harmony with nature and help preserve biodiversity, the farm has obtained Natur genéissen producer status. The Miller-Mariany family likes to stray off the beaten path and try out innovative approaches. As such, alongside their organic produce, eggs, cereals and meat, the family has expanded into the cultivation of organic lentils, helping to make local plant-based protein alternatives more accessible, as well as the production of several varieties of organic mustard. As well as their classic mustard, the Miller family also offers a herb mustard, a hot mustard, a honey mustard and a seasonal walnut mustard. Their entire range of mustards is made from organic ingredients and cold-pressed to preserve all its essential oils and natural components. They add no artificial aromas, colourings, flavour enhancers or sweeteners. A 100% natural product and taste.
Natur genéissen (enjoy nature in English) is a programme devoted to protecting nature in Luxembourg. Its main aim is to preserve natural landscapes and factors that promote biodiversity in agricultural areas. These include, for example, hedgerows, rows of trees, fallow meadows or other uncultivated features that play an important role in supporting wildlife, plant life and the balance of ecosystems.
To encourage more environmentally friendly farming, the programme established clear criteria covering several aspects: nature protection, sustainable agricultural practices, animal well-being and product quality. The aim is to promote a holistic approach to sustainability, which is beneficial to nature, farmers and coonsumers alike.
Producers who meet these criteria can obtain the Natur genéissen label. They are located across different regions of the country where the programme is active, including the nature parks. 55 produccers, including 24 based in the north of the country, currently take part in the Natur genéissen programme.
The programme also encourages the use of local and seasonal produce in collective childcare facility kitchens in order to offer varied, healthy and environmentally sustainable meals.
Where can I find these products?
The Buttik vum Séi shop in Heiderscheid sells a wide range of regional products from the Naturpark Öewersauer, including the Vum Séi brand. Many of these products can also be purchased in grocery shops throughout the country.
The Biohaff Miller-Mariany has an on-site shop – vum Miller Shop – selling a selection of home-made and organic products.
You can order directly from some Natur genéissen producers. On the programme website, you can select producers according to various categories, such as "municipality" or "product type", etc.
Savour the terroir at Sou schmaacht Lëtzebuerg restaurants
Sou schmaacht Lëtzebuerg (how Luxembourg tastes, in English) is an invitation to discover Luxembourg through its flavours. This campaign showcases food products derived from local farming, wine-making and horticulture, while highlighting the extensive know-how of Luxembourg’s terroir. It enables visitors and residents to gain a better understanding of the richness and diversity of the country’s products, while emphasising the benefits of local and eco-responsible consumption.
Located throughout Luxembourg, restaurants bearing the Sou schmaacht Lëtzebuerg label welcome you for an authentic gourmet experience. Their menus regularly feature dishes made with Luxembourgish products, carefully selected for their freshness and quality. The chefs work in tune with the seasons and draw inspiration and creativity from their partnership with local producers.
This close connection between gastronomy and agriculture is based on a shared passion for good taste and well-made products. When setting foot in a Sou schmaacht Lëtzebuerg restaurant, you’ll discover much more than a simple meal. Each establishment brings together the expertise of chefs and Luxembourgish farmers, wine-makers and market gardeners, for an authentic culinary experience rooted in the local terroir.
Bonus track: For the love of Goats
Gremmlischter Geessenhaff is a farm situated in Grümmelscheid, in northern Luxembourg, where goats have been at the heart of the farm since 2015. The Gillen family processes the raw goat's milk in their own cheese diary to create a range of artisanal products: fresh goat cheese with herbs, soft cheeses, drinking yoghurts and fresh milk. All produced with great passion, expertise and respect for the environment.
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