Each year, Minoterie Suire highlights heritage wheat varieties through a Grand Cru Selection released twice a year.
This season, discover an exceptional organic bread crafted from the ancient wheat Mars Ardennais.
Mars Ardennais: An Exceptional Organic Bread
Among heritage wheat varieties, Mars Ardennais stands out. As a spring wheat, it is sown in March and harvested in July—following an old agricultural cycle with a late harvest, which gave the variety its name.
Today, it returns through a short, fully organic supply chain to create a truly unique bread.
Mars Ardennais: From Field to Bakehouse
Mars Ardennais is grown in Bussy-le-Grand (Côte-d’Or) by Jean-Luc Farcy, a pioneer in organic agriculture.
On his 380-hectare farm, he began converting to organic farming in 2009 and achieved 100% organic certification in 2016.
On his land, the grower cultivates several heritage varieties: Rouge de Bordeaux, Khorasan, and Mars Ardennais. He also grows buckwheat, chia seeds, einkorn and emmer wheat, as well as peas and lentils, rotating with lucerne.
Mars Ardennais yields are limited—around 1.5 tonnes per hectare—ensuring its rarity.
The milling is entrusted to Minoterie Suire, where the grain is ground on natural flint stone mills.
This traditional process produces a semi-whole T80 flour, preserving the germ and part of the grain’s outer layer. The result is a nutrient-rich, aromatic flour perfectly suited for sourdough baking.
Mars Ardennais: A Naturally Leavened Bread
Le The Mars Ardennais loaf is made with house sourdough and benefits from a long fermentation. These traditional methods express the full character of the grain:
- A creamy, soft crumb with a slightly irregular structure
- Notes of hazelnut, toasted cereals, and a light tanginess from the sourdough
- A thick, golden crust
Using a house sourdough improves gluten digestibility, enhances flavour development, and naturally extends shelf life.
Combined with Mars Ardennais flour, it creates a distinctive loaf with strong nutritional qualities and a rich, authentic taste.
Food Pairings: “Bread & Flavour” with Mars Ardennais
Thanks to its balanced aromas and generous texture, Mars Ardennais pairs beautifully with many foods.
With cheese
It shines alongside characterful cheeses such as:
- Mature Comté
- Mountain Tomme
- Strong blue cheeses
The rich crumb and light sourdough tang enhance their flavours and create a harmonious tasting experience.
With fine charcuterie
It also pairs wonderfully with:
- Cured ham
- Homemade terrines
- Rillettes
Its soft crumb balances the intensity of the meats—ideal for a tasting board or a light lunch.
With sweet pairings
Mars Ardennais is also delicious with:
- Raw butter and honey
- Red fruit jams
Its rustic notes and generous crumb elevate the sweetness of honey and the fruity acidity of jams.
Simple, refined, and honestly… dangerously good.
Encourage your customers to try these pairings to enjoy this unique bread every day.
Whether it’s a friendly moment, a sophisticated meal, or a gourmet snack, Mars Ardennais is a versatile, flavourful bread.
A Powerful In-Store Activation Tool
Available in limited quantities, Mars Ardennais is part of the Grand Cru Selection range. For artisan bakers, it offers:
- A strong opportunity for in-store storytelling and animation
- A signature loaf that showcases your craftsmanship
- A response to the growing demand for organic, local, and distinctive products
It is also an excellent communication tool. Featuring a rare, seasonal product attracts attention, creates excitement in your bakery, and builds customer loyalty.
The history behind Mars Ardennais is a powerful marketing asset—one that sparks curiosity and encourages discovery.
Mars Ardennais, an ancient wheat revived through organic cultivation, allows you to offer a premium bread combining heritage, terroir, and flavour.
It highlights your expertise, strengthens your range, and seduces your customers with a limited-edition creation.
