Spanish gastronomy has quality and exclusive dishes and products. Each region specialises in different types of products, making the most of the country’s gastronomy, but do you know the typical products of each region? Where should you go to buy the best anchovies, the best suckling pig or the most exquisite empanadas? In this mentta blog post we show you the typical products of each Spanish region, take note!
Spanish gastronomy
Spanish gastronomy is known throughout the world for its diversity, flavours and deep-rooted culinary traditions. Each Spanish region has its own style of cooking and typical dishes, which gives variety to the country’s gastronomy. There are certain products that are typical of Spanish gastronomy such as:
- Tapas: Tapas are small portions of food commonly served in bars and restaurants throughout Spain. They can include a wide variety of dishes, such as olives, Iberian ham, meatballs, Spanish omelettes, patatas bravas, Galician octopus and many other delicacies.
- Paella: Paella is an emblematic dish of the Valencia region, but has become popular throughout the country. It is made with rice and cooked with ingredients such as chicken, rabbit, seafood or vegetables, all seasoned with saffron and other spices.
- Iberian ham: Iberian ham is one of Spain’s most famous sausages. It comes from Iberian breed pigs raised on the Iberian Peninsula. There are different varieties, being the jamón ibérico de bellota the most appreciated, as the pigs feed on acorns, which gives it a unique and exquisite flavour.
- Cheeses: Spain produces a wide variety of cheeses, from Manchego cheese to Cabrales cheese. Each region has its own cheese specialities, and many of them are delicious.
- Gazpacho: Gazpacho is a cold tomato soup that is especially popular in the warm regions of Spain, such as Andalusia. It is made with tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, onions and garlic, all blended together and chilled before serving.
More about Spanish gastronomy…
- Spanish tortilla: Spanish tortilla española is a potato omelette, also known as tortilla española. It is made with eggs, potatoes and sometimes onion. It is a basic and delicious food that is eaten all over the country.
- Fish and seafood: Spain has an extensive coastline and is known for its love of fresh fish and seafood. Dishes such as seafood paella, fideuá and bacalao a la vizcaína are examples of its seafood cuisine.
- Desserts: Spanish desserts include such delicacies as flan, crema catalana, churro con chocolate, torrijas and tarta de Santiago. Each region also has its own traditional sweets.
- Wines: Spain is one of the world’s leading wine producers. Wine regions such as Rioja, Ribera del Duero, Priorat and Jerez are known for their high quality red and white wines.
- Drinks: In addition to wine, Spain is famous for its sangria and beer. Traditional drinks such as tinto de verano and horchata are also enjoyed.
Typical products of each region
Andalusia
Catalonia
Galicia
Basque Country
Castile and Leon
Asturias
Canary Islands
Murcia
Exclusive Spanish products
Spanish gastronomy is spreading all over the world, and increasingly so. However, there are certain products that are difficult to find with the same quality and flavour outside Spain. Their origin or limited production make these products exclusive and difficult to find. Among them, the following stand out:
- Jamón Ibérico de Bellota: This is one of Spain’s most famous hams and is produced from Iberian pigs that are raised on the Iberian Peninsula and fed mainly on acorns. The production process is highly controlled and regulated, which makes this product exclusive and difficult to find outside Spain.
- Manchego cheese: Manchego cheese is produced in the region of La Mancha and is known for its unique flavour and firm texture. Although it is exported, authentic Manchego cheese is exclusive to this region.
- Pimientos de Padrón: These small green peppers are a typical Galician delicacy. Although similar varieties can be found elsewhere, authentic Pimientos de Padrón are a Galician speciality.
- Asturian Cider: Asturian cider is very different from cider found elsewhere. It is traditionally served in a unique way, poured from a certain height to allow it to oxygenate and develop its characteristic flavour.
More exclusive products…
- Cabrales cheese: Cabrales cheese is a strong blue cheese produced in the mountains of Asturias. Its distinctive flavour and the way it is made make it unique to this region.
- Nougat: Nougats are traditional Christmas sweets in Spain. Although there are many varieties of nougat available worldwide, Spanish nougat, especially Turrón de Jijona and Turrón de Alicante, have a unique taste and texture.
- Sherry wines from Jerez: Sherry wines, also known as sherry wines, are produced in the region of Jerez de la Frontera and have unique characteristics. Authentic sherry wines can be difficult to find outside Spain.
- Manzanilla olives: Manzanilla olives, especially those produced in the Seville region, are very popular in Spain and have a particular taste. Although olives can be found all over the world, specific varieties of Manzanilla can be difficult to find outside Spain.
It is true that globalisation and international trade have made many of these products more accessible in other countries, but even so, sometimes finding the authentic, high quality version often requires a visit to Spain or a search in specialised shops.