French cuisine always amazes with its sophistication
Folk cuisine predominantly includes dishes that have been prepared in various provinces of the country for centuries. These are Marseille fish soup, beef bourguignon, and so on. Aristocratic cuisine was formed at the court of the Bourbons at a time when France became the arbiter of fashion. This type of cuisine was distinguished by a huge variety of exquisite dishes.
A meal among people who preferred folk cuisine almost always started with appetizers, after which soup was served, followed by main dishes, salads, and cheese. The French meal almost always ended with fruits or dessert. The main appetizer for the French is cheese, because France is very rich in this product and has more than 400 varieties.
Combining diverse traditions, French cuisine is truly boundless. However, there are common traditions: the French love vegetables and spices and do not like to add dairy products to dishes. Of dairy products, only cheese is highly respected, the production of which French cheesemakers know perfectly.
Great importance is attached to the harmony of taste of different ingredients of a dish. A rule dating back to the times of kings is the use of only fresh products so that after processing the taste of the dish is fully preserved. The French are excellent connoisseurs of cuisine and choose products for a long time, consulting with the seller. As a result, purchases are made mostly at markets or in small shops.
A special pride of French cuisine is wines. The most famous and popular in France and around the world are Bordeaux and Burgundy wines. In addition to wines, French champagne and, of course, cognac, which is produced in France, are world-famous.
Today, the most popular and world-famous dish of French cuisine is frog legs. It is because of them that the French are often called "frog-eaters". However, this dish is not everyday food; it is a delicacy and is served mostly only in restaurants.