5 Essential Ingredients Of French Cuisines Success

Holding a highly esteemed position in terms of global gastronomy, French cuisine is famous for its exquisite flavor profiles, attention-to-detail when preparing ingredients, and a heritage rich in culture, which when combined, offer food lovers all over the world, an experience worthy of culinary excellence.

But what does it really take for a country to consistently produce some of the most critically acclaimed food in the world? Does France truly deserve its spot in the world best cuisines? Let’s find out by looking at 5 of the essential ingredients that have given France such culinary success:

• Heritage and tradition

For many French cooks and chefs, within them lies an inherent respect for the boundaries of tradition and heritage; recipes, ingredients, and culinary techniques that have been passed down to them from generation to generation, are cherished and lovingly preserved. This goes on to create a tapestry of cuisine representing the country’s diverse regions, and the rich tapestry of flavors enjoyed from north to south, and east to west.

Whether we’re talking about the mouthwatering butteriness of Parisian croissants, or the warming, comforting flavors of a Toulouse cassoulet, every dish has its own story to tell, each of which is steeped in tradition and history.

• High quality ingredients

With an unwavering commitment to using only the freshest and finest ingredients available to them, French chefs have become renowned for celebrating every ingredient in its entirety, and maximizing their taste by using them seasonally.

From the most succulent of meats, to the tangiest of cheeses, there is a certain celebration running through all French cuisine, that helps it produce tasty, textural, mouthwatering dishes, time and time again.

• Culinary expertise

The way in which aspiring French chefs are educated, is among the most prestigious in the world, and from apprenticeships to extensive training, students receive rigorous education to help them hone their skills.

From the esteemed Parisian cooking school, Le Cordon Bleu, to apprenticeships under masterful chefs, training is key to a French chef’s success, something that is reflected in the precision and technical prowess they go on to display in their restaurants.

• Artistry and presentation

While taste is of course an important ingredient of any dish, how the food is presented is equally as important. Chefs spend hours meticulously arranging food to present diners with a visual and flavorful treat.

Whether we’re talking about haute cuisine and its elegant plating, or a bistro’s rustic charm, French food looks every bit as good as it tastes.

• Food as a celebration

Meal times in France are always sit-down affairs, in which everyone comes together to enjoy the sanctity of dining, and the sacredness of its rituals. Providing people with so much more than mere sustenance, food in France is never just a meal, but instead, a celebration of life, love, and community.

From a countryside picnic, to a fine dining experience, the idea of French food is to bring everyone together; uniting them in their shared love of great food.

France absolutely deserves to play host to one of the most popular cuisines in the world, and its reputation for culinary mastery, is equally as deserving. With the finest of ingredients at its heart, and attention-to-detail paid to every dish, no matter how simple or small, if your mouth isn’t watering after reading this and you’re not planning your next trip to France, you’re not a true foodie!