Hof der dingen - Tansy from Wervik: palullekruid

Did you almost have a conniption trying to pronounce the word Palullekruid? We admit it, palullekruid doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue. But they’re undeniably a delicious local delicacy from the southern part of our province. The so-called krudpalullen are a true regional specialty from Wervik: large pancakes flavoured with tansy, a plant known for its blood-purifying and medicinal qualities. The herb is used to treat everything from arthritis to the common cold and is even said to ward off witches, ghosts, and even thunderstorms… Doesn’t hurt to try, right? This herb grows abundantly in the wild along the banks of the Leie River. 

Traditionally, krudpalullen are served with brown sugar and rhubarb jam. You can still find them prepared the old-fashioned way at the museum tavern of the Tobacco Museum in Wervik. 

This object was shared with us by Tine Hoet, in honour of her recently deceased grandmother: 

“Every year on November 1st, my grandmother made pancakes with palullekrud. She passed away this spring at the age of 94. I don’t know if it was the herb that made them so special and full of flavour — but I’m inclined to keep her tradition of baking pancakes every November 1st alive.”