Jersey Holidays – Specialties
Ormers (Oreilles de mer)
Ear-shaped crustaceans found in rockpools at low tide and highly regarded on the haute cuisine tables of Paris. The shells have iridescent interiors so attractive some islanders use them for garden decorations. Buy the shells in fish markets to use as ashtrays. Ormer gathering used to be a great island tradition; the waters have been greatly overworked and strict controls have been brought in to allow for proper breeding.
Giant cabbages
Introduced from France as a cattle feed probably late 18th c, these cabbages can grow up to 20ft tall – a big leafy head atop an incredibly spindly stalk. In Victorian times, the stalks achieved great popularity when made into walking sticks. These canes are still made at L’Etacq Woodcrafts, Fair Haven, L’Etacq, St Ouen and you can watch the process.
Day trips to France
There are travel agents who offer special excursions to Mont St Michel and towns along the Cote d’Emeraude. For less organized day out, Condor do hydrofoil journeys several times a day in high season to St Malo. Journey takes 1 1/4 hours.