Today is the Day of the Valencian Community! This day commemorates a significant historical event for the region and is an occasion to celebrate the Valencian culture and identity. This community encompasses an incredible culinary culture, and that is why in this blog we will show you the typical products of Valencia, did you know them all?
Day of the Valencian Community
Valencia Day, known as “9 d’Octubre,” is an emblematic festivity that commemorates a crucial historical milestone. On 9 October 1238, the troops of King James I of Aragon and Valencia took the city of Valencia, marking the end of Muslim rule and the integration of Valencia into the Kingdom of Aragon. This date symbolises the unity of the Christian kingdoms in the Iberian Peninsula and contributed to the formation of Spain as a nation. Today, Valencia Day celebrates Valencian identity, promoting regional culture, heritage and traditions through parades, cultural events and festivities, and is a significant date in the calendar of the Valencian Community.
Taste our prepared Valencian food
Typical products of Valencia
The Valencian community in Spain is known for its rich culinary tradition and the production of a variety of typical products from Valencia. Some of the most emblematic products of this region include:
- Paella: It is possibly the most famous dish of the region. Valencian paella is traditionally made with rice, rabbit, chicken, garrofón (a variety of broad bean) and saffron. There are also many other variations of paella, such as seafood or mixed paella.
- Oranges and citrus fruits: The Valencian Community is one of the main orange and citrus fruit producing regions in Spain. Valencian oranges are known for their juicy and sweet taste.
- Horchata: A refreshing drink made from tigernuts, water and sugar. It is very popular in Valencia and is usually served with fartons, long buns.
- Turrón de Jijona: This nougat is a typical Christmas sweet in Spain and is produced in the town of Jijona, in the province of Alicante, which is part of the Valencian Community. Jijona nougat is made mainly with almonds and honey.
- Olive oil: The Valencian Community also produces high quality olive oil, especially in the areas of Castellón and Valencia.
- Seafood: Given its coastal location, the Region of Valencia is famous for its fresh fish and seafood, such as sea bream, sea bass, octopus and prawns.
- Sausages: A variety of sausages are produced in the region, such as sobrasada, fuet and longaniza.
- Wines: The Valencian Community produces quality wines, including red wines, white wines and cavas. The Denominación de Origen Valencia is well known for its wines.
- Cheeses: Although not as well known as other regions of Spain in terms of cheese production, Valencia also produces some excellent cheeses, such as Mahón cheese and artisan goat’s cheese.
- Sweets and pastries: In addition to nougat, Valencian pastries include desserts such as pumpkin fritters, pumpkin rolls and mantecados.
Taste the Valencian paellas at mentta
Typical Valencian recipes
Here are some typical recipes from the Community of Valencia to prepare or buy:
- Paella Valenciana:
– Main ingredients: rice, rabbit, chicken, garrofon, green beans, tomato, olive oil, saffron and poultry stock.
– Preparation: Valencian paella is cooked in a large paella pan. Brown the rabbit and chicken in olive oil, add the vegetables and rice, and cook with saffron and poultry stock until the rice is cooked and forms a crust on the bottom. It is important not to stir too much to get that characteristic crust.
- Fideuà:
– Main ingredients: thin noodles, seafood (prawns, squid, mussels), red pepper, tomato, olive oil, garlic, paprika and fish stock.
– Preparation: Similar to paella, but instead of rice, thin noodles are used. They are cooked in a frying pan or paella pan with the seafood and seasoned with saffron and paprika.
- All i Pebre:
– Main ingredients: Albufera eel, potatoes, garlic, ñoras, olive oil, paprika and fish stock.
– Preparation: This is a traditional stew of Albufera eel cooked with potatoes and garlic. It is flavoured with ñoras (black peppers) and paprika.
- Tigernut Horchata:
– Main ingredients: tiger nuts, water and sugar.
– Preparation: The tigernuts are soaked, ground and mixed with water and sugar. The mixture is filtered and served cold.
- Pumpkin fritters:
– Main ingredients: pumpkin, flour, sugar, yeast, salt and oil for frying.
– Preparation: The pumpkin is mixed with flour, sugar and other ingredients, formed into small balls and fried until golden brown. Sprinkle with icing sugar before serving.
Did you find this article about the typical products of Valencia useful? Don’t miss our mentta blog with tips, curiosities and recipes. Do you want to learn which are the best cheeses in the world? Don’t forget to visit our article.