SUMMARY: Bouchard Family Farms is a family-owned and operated business that harvests buckwheat to create ploye mixes. Ployes are a French Acadian flat bread that is made by mixing buckwheat and wheat flours. They are cooked on a hot skillet and buttered and rolled, much like a crepe. There are many ways to use the ploye mix including as a pancake, waffle, flat bread, crepe or a dessert. Ployes are so popular in the area that there is a whole festival dedicated to them! The Ploye Festival is typtally held in early summer in Fort Kent.
Bouchard Family Farms products can be found at their store, Bouchard’s Country Store, as well as at local expos and farmers markets. Products can be purchased online as well.
MORE INFORMATION: History: In the 1980s, the Bouchard family had the idea to make a ready-made mix for ployes. They perfected the recipe and started a home kitchen business. In 1997, the family purchased a dismantled Canadian mill and reassembled it in Maine to run the buckwheat processing business.
Specialties: Bouchard Family Farms specializes in ployes. They sell ploye mixes including original, whole wheat, and light buckwheat flour. They also sell maple syrup, cookbooks and gift boxes.
Days/Hours of Operation: Bouchard’s Country Store is open seasonally from May through December.
Hours are Tuesday through Friday, 10 AM to 5 PM and Saturday, 9 AM to 2 PM. Check Bouchard’s Country Store Facebook page for official opening/closing dates and updated hours.
Parking: Parking is plentiful at Bouchard’s Country Store.
