Products derived from nature and Luxembourgish know-how (V): Minett
The wide variety of local products in Luxembourg reflects the extraordinary natural environment, the know-how of the nation's producers and the rich heritage 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 from each region to inspire you and help you continue your flavourful and eco-responsible journey. Here, we explore the culinary delights of southern Luxembourg and the Minett region!
Mmmh... Minett! Food from the biosphere and Nathalie's folies
The Minett region in southern Luxembourg, sometimes referred to as the Land of the Red Rocks, owes its identity to the iron ore that forged its industrial history. In recent years the region has undergone a process of regeneration, based on economic diversification, the promotion of industrial heritage, and efforts to protect the extraordinary natural landscapes, which include some of the country's largest protected natural areas. This transformation was recognised in October 2020 when the Minett UNESCO Biosphere was officially added to the global network of UNESCO Biosphere Reserves.
Food from the biosphere
The Minett UNESCO Biosphere has created the brand Mmmh… Minett! to help producers sell their products and promote the identity of the former mining region. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to encourage people to buy and consume local products. It reflects the values upheld by biosphere reserves: rethinking the link between humans and nature, rediscovering local areas and taking pride in them, respecting the seasons and reducing food waste.
De Beiemann Marcel Zoller is run by Differdange-based beekeepers Marcel and Evelyne, who have been fascinated by bees and nature for more than 30 years. The bees are in their element as they forage on the abundance of local flowers, hedges and bushes. The hives can be found in the Natura 2000 nature areas in Rodange, Lamadelaine, Pétange, Lasauvage, Ronnebierg and Differdange. The honey is sold under the Mmmh… Minett! brand. Marcel and Evelyne also sell other bee-related products, including hydromel (or mead), honey spirit, candles, sweets and cosmetics.
The Pretemer Haff farm dates back nearly a century, but it was when Nico Hoffmann and Nathalie Gangloff married in 2000 that they decided to focus particularly on orchard farming. They planted the first trees in 2003, and they now sell apples, pears, mirabelles, cherries, quetsches and strawberries. Nathalie also runs the workshop Les folies de Nathalie, which sells products made from the orchard's fruits, such as jams and jellies (prepared with at least 66% fresh fruit content), fruit compotes, cordials, juices and sparkling juices, pastries and desserts.
Where can I find these products?
De Beiemann Marcel Zoller products are sold at the weekly markets in Dudelange (Thursday morning) and Esch-sur-Alzette (Friday morning), and at the Glacismaart in Luxembourg City (every third Sunday of the month from March to November). You can also buy their products on site.
Pretemer Haff has a farm shop where you can find fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables, fruit-based products and other regional products.
Sou schmaacht Lëtzebuerg: buy local, savour the terroir
Sou schmaacht Lëtzebuerg (how Luxembourg tastes, in English) is an invitation to discover Luxembourg through its flavours. This campaign showcases those committed to getting the best out of Luxembourg's terroir: farmers, wine producers and market gardeners who offer quality local produce. The initiative creates a direct link between these producers and consumers, recognising their expertise and facilitating access to their products.
You can go to the Sou schmaacht Lëtzebuerg website to see which producers sell their products directly to the public, find those based near you and learn more about what they do. This is a great way of getting to know the agricultural community around you and encouraging local producers committed to responsible and transparent methods.
Buying directly from producers is not only a way of supporting the local economy; it is also a chance to rediscover the wealth and diversity of Luxembourgish produce, as close to the farm as possible.
Restaurants bearing the Sou schmaacht Lëtzebuerg label offer another way of discovering the delights of local producers as they are incorporated into delicious culinary creations. All over Luxembourg, chefs are sourcing ingredients from producers in the network and concocting dishes that reflect the abundance of local produce.
Their menus reflect the changing seasons, using fresh ingredients supplied directly by local producers. This close partnership with producers is a source of culinary inspiration and creativity, and also a guarantee of traceability and quality.
Choosing a Sou schmaacht Lëtzebuerg restaurant is about much more than a simple meal. You will experience a celebration of local producers, with every locally sourced ingredient appreciated and elevated by the expertise of talented chefs.
Are we (beer) friends?
Are We Friends? is a Luxembourg craft brewery founded in 2023 by two long-standing friends, Ted Ury and Antoine Lesch, with a simple ambition: to create a beer with character that combines quality, authenticity and a sense of camaraderie. A beer made by friends, for friends.
With its first craft beer, Are We Friends?, the company offers a refreshing experience with citrus notes, designed to bring beer lovers together around the values of sharing and friendship. Brewed and canned at the Twisted Cat Brewery in Dudelange, this balanced, golden-coloured pilsner is proudly made in Luxembourg.
To meet the needs of consumers looking for a non-alcoholic alternative, Are We Friends? also offers Are We Sober?, a beer that retains the brand's convivial spirit and craft quality, whilst providing a light option suitable for any occasion.
Enjoy them at home, find them in several pubs across the country, or head to the authentic Are We Friends? Bar in Luxembourg City for a genuine get-together with friends.
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