Essential Oil andamp; Hydrosol Distillation Kit @ Hen of the Woods Artisan Acres, NS, Canada
Cassis or Crème de cassis is a liqueur made from an infusion of blackcurrants. The best blackcurrants are considered to come from Dijon in Burgundy France, the original home of Cassis. They are the "Cassis Noir de Bourgogne" and "Cassis Royal de Naples". Crème de Cassis production is attributed to French monks back in the 16th century and it was prescribed it as a remedy for jaundice, snakebites and wretchedness.
The suitability of the chalky soils in Dijon and climate all contribute to the quality and character of Cassis. The ripe blood red fruits are at their sweetest in July when they are picked and sent off to local distilleries. The fruits are pressed and the whole mass is placed in large old oak vats filled with neutral spirits or brandy. A slow infusion or maceration takes place which lasts 2 months. During this time the liqueur acquires its distinctive colour and aroma.