Sweet gale is a very common plant in Quebec, found abundantly along lakes and other waterways. Its leaves are covered with a very fragrant resin, which has earned it the nickname wood-smells-good . The leaves are sometimes used in cooking or in infusions, but it is mainly the fruits (or catkins) which are used for their aromatic qualities.

Sweet gale catkins have a very pleasant peppery scent, with fir notes and some aromas that can be reminiscent of nutmeg. Some have also nicknamed this spice Northern nutmeg . In cooking, sweet gale can be used in marinades for pork, poultry, or wild meats. It is also an excellent addition to grilled meats and homemade charcuterie. It can also be used to flavor desserts made with apples, pears, or citrus fruits.

Interestingly, sweet gale was also used in the preparation of beer in the Middle Ages in some countries of northwestern Europe. It was one of the ingredients in gruit, a mixture of herbs and spices intended to flavor beer, very popular before the widespread use of hops.