Non-timber forest products (also known as NTFPs) are any products other than timber that can be found in forest ecosystems and that have significant economic, social or cultural value. NTFPs are also used in the agri-food, cosmetics and natural medicine industries, as well as in the production of essential oils. Learn more about them with our Lanaudière suggestions.
Non-timber forest products (NTFPs) come from native or non-native plant species or fungi that are grown or harvested in natural forests or plantations. They are defined as products or by-products of forest plants other than the timber (fibre) used for wood processing and energy.
Learn more about these products from the various businesses here in Lanaudière offering a wide range of products and related activities.
The Abbaye Forest – Saint-Jean-de-Matha
Find out all about edible forest products and enjoy some educational food experiences in the heart of Lanaudière. Whether it’s a stroll through an orchard, a food-tasting hike or a mushroom 101 workshop, you’re sure to have a great experience in the hands of the knowledgeable guides. The wide-ranging offering from the Abbey includes edible plant picking, picnics in the forest and workshops dedicated entirely to mushrooms. It’s a great way to learn more about these increasingly popular products.
Also, be sure to stock up on goodies at the Abbey’s shop, which offers a wide range of NTFP products.à
Au jardin des noix – Saint-Ambroise-de-Kildare
Are you interested in tasting and learning about all types of walnuts and the different ways they can be prepared? Enjoy a guided or self-guided tour of the orchard. There are also workshops on walnuts, mushrooms and other wild edibles available. In September, bring the family and pick your own hazelnuts, which grow in low shrubs. You can also pick Northern walnuts as part of a program that includes a number of guided workshops and other activities.
Drop by the shop to check out the wide range of nut and forest products on offer. There’s also a lunch counter where you can sample some sweet treats. And there are picnic tables on-site offering a peaceful place to enjoy a bite to eat.
La Maison du bonheur – Saint-Côme
La Maison du bonheur’s mission is to introduce you to the wonderful flavours of the forest by creating spices that are easy to use in both sweet and savoury dishes. Also available are delicious ready-to-eat products featuring La Maison spices, so you can sample, get ideas and see how easy it is to use them in everyday cooking. The owners combine green values and eco-responsible choices with selective, environmentally friendly harvesting.
You can buy products from the online store or stop by their lovely shop in Saint-Côme. Here you’ll find all of their forest-based products, a gourmet section and an attractive range of products from local artisans.
Tante Agastache – Sainte-Émélie-de-l’Énergie
Ever heard of this beautiful agritourism farm? Commonly known as Giant Hyssop, Agastache is an herbaceous plant that’s part of the mint family. Prized for its fragrant leaves and colourful flowers, it can be used to subtly flavour beverages and dishes, such as soups, stir-fries, lemonades, salads and cakes. Try it on your guests—they’ll want to know your secret! This versatile herb can also be used in skincare and cosmetics products as well as to enhance your garden’s biodiversity!
Learn more about the cultivation of giant hyssop in Tante Agastache’s interpretation garden, open from May to October. Guided tours of the processing facility and tastings are also available upon reservation. The farm’s zero-waste shop is open year-round—it’s a great place to stock up on unique tasty products, natural cosmetics, plants and seeds, and more!
Enracinés – Saint-Gabriel-de-Brandon
Nestled in a picturesque countryside setting, this mini-farm and garden centre offers local and gourmet products, as well as vegetable seedlings, seeds, shrubs and more! At Enracinés, you can take part in a variety of workshops, pick-your-own produce and enjoy a guided tour. There’s also a charming picnic area that’s ideal for celebrating everything that summer has to offer in the region.
Simon Turcotte confiturier – Sainte-Marcelline-de-Kildare
This popular jam shop sells unique bilberry, sea buckthorn and cherry jams with non-timber forest products. Be sure to try their maple mustard with balsam myrtle. The shop is packed with mouthwatering delicacies to take home or give as gifts. Most of this jam maker’s fruits are sourced right here in Quebec, either wild or ecologically grown. What’s not to love?!
