Flavours of Spain to take home
We recommend five Spanish gastronomic products to take home because of their taste, their aroma, and because they are healthy.
-
Extra virgin olive oil
Spain is the main producer in the world. A very simple and tasty way to enjoy it: raw on crusty bread. Also in salad dressings and on grilled vegetables.
-
Iberian cured ham
You can only find this exclusive product in Spain. There are four different Designations of Origin: Guijuelo (Salamanca and Extremadura), Dehesa de Extremadura (region of Extremadura) and Los Pedroche and Jamón de Huelva (both in Andalusia). If you want to take it home, the best option is to vacuum-pack it. What is the best way to enjoy it? Enjoy it like you would enjoy tapas, with a beer or glass of wine.
-
Wines
The most international wine is from La Rioja, although all other Spanish wines, such as Ribera del Duero, Rías Baixas, Montilla-Moriles, Penedès, etc., are starting to gain recognition. However, good quality wine is produced all over Spain and more and more is being exported.
-
Cheeses
You will find very tasty local products all over Spain. Perhaps the most popular on an international level is Manchego cheese (from Castile-La Mancha). However, the list is enormous and satisfies all tastes.
-
Regional products
These are the most typical products of each destination and it is best to buy them in local shops. Good examples are the ensaimadas from the Balearic Islands, fabes beans from Asturias and mojo sauces from the Canary Islands. The most notable sweet treats are marzipan from Toledo (Castilla-La Mancha) and turrones from the Region of Valencia (both products are easy to find all over Spain at Christmas).
-
Savoury snacks
Tinned food from the north (especially anchovies from Cantabria), olives (the ones from Jaén in Andalusia are very popular) and conserves of vegetables, such as asparagus from Navarre, Piquillo pepper from Lodosa and aubergines from Almagro are the savoury products that stand out.