Best Province of Granada Foods
Piononos are traditional Spanish pastries originating from Santa Fé in Granada. This syrupy sponge cake filled with cream and cinnamon is rolled up into a cylinder, drenched with rum-laced syrup, and crowned with toasted cream and sugar.
The pastry was invented by pastry chef Ceferino Isla, who wanted to pay tribute to Pope Pius IX (Pio Nono). That's why the pastry has the name pionono and it also visually recalls the Pope – a cylindrical and chubby appearance, served in white paper that represents the cassock, and the upper part which represents the solide with which the Pope covers his crown.
MOST ICONIC Piononos
As the name suggests, this Spanish sausage originates from Granada. It is made with a combination of pork belly, jowl, fat, blood, onions, salt, and spices such as oregano and paprika. This blood sausage variety is often used for tapas or consumed as a snack with bread and asparagus.
OTHER VARIATIONS OF Morcilla
Jamón de Trevélez is a cured ham produced in the southeast of the province of Granada. This famous ham has been manufactured in the region of Granada for more than two hundred years and has been recognized for its exceptional quality and characteristics.
The meat that is used for this ham comes from pigs of the Landrace, Large White and Duroc–Jersey breeds. The climate and environment in which this ham is produced make it different from hams produced elsewhere. Because this region has very cold winters and cool summers, it is possible to cure and dry the meat for extended periods of time without using any preservatives and additives.
Soplillos are traditional Spanish almond meringues originating from Granada. They’re made with a combination of egg whites, blanched and toasted almonds, sugar, and lemon zest. The almonds are pulverized, then mixed with grated lemon zest and added to whisked egg whites and sugar.
The mixture is dropped onto a baking sheet, and the meringue is baked until done, then left to cool. This sticky meringue is traditionally served in a tiny square of paper and it can be found in many confiserías throughout the region.
Choto al ajillo is a traditional dish originating from Granada. It consists of succulent and tender kid goat meat, olive oil, stale bread, garlic, smoked paprika, bay leaves, sherry, white wine, and a bit of oregano or marjoram. The stew should have a bit of liquid before serving and it's simmered until the meat becomes tender.
Choto al ajillo is a staple during the colder months because it's hearty and nutritious. It's recommended to serve it with homemade bread on the side.
This variety of Spanish tortilla is typically made by combining whisked eggs with lamb or calf brains and testicles. Optional additions occasionally include peas, breadcrumbs, nuts, potatoes, chorizo, peppers, or jamón de Trevélez.
Bone marrow is also sometimes used as an ingredient. The brains and testicles are first sautéed with white wine and bay leaves before they are combined with other ingredients. The dish is usually found in Andalusia, but it is traditionally associated with Granada.
It is believed that it originated in the Sacromonte neighborhood of Granada, an area known as the gypsy quarter and the flamenco center of Andalusia.
Plato Alpujarreño is a traditional meal originating from Andalusia. The recipe has many variations, but it usually consists of a mix of fried eggs, morcilla blood sausages, chorizo, pork loin, sweet peppers, Serrano ham, potatoes, and migas.
The dish is quite simple and inexpensive to prepare, but the combination is one of the most requested dishes in restaurants and bars in the region. Plato Alpujarreño is traditionally served hot.
MAIN INGREDIENTS
Olla de San Antón is a Spanish stew originating from Granada. It's made with beans, rice, and pork. The meat usually consists of leftovers from the traditional pig slaughter which takes place around the time of Saint Anthony's Day celebration, so the dish is especially popular during the first weeks of February, when traditional Granadian restaurants serve it until they run out of ingredients.
It is believed that olla de San Antón (lit. St. Anthony's pot) can be traced back to the time of the Spanish Civil War.
Remojón is a traditional salad originating from Granada. It’s made with a combination of oranges, salt cod, red peppers, scallions, garlic, olive oil, olives, and wine or sherry vinegar. Although the salad is traditionally made with salt cod, nowadays it’s a bit expensive so people sometimes replace it with tuna and anchovies.
In order to prepare the salad, the salt cod is grilled and shredded into flakes, then tossed with orange slices, chopped scallions, crushed garlic, and vinegar. The salad is finished with the olives and oil. After a few hours, it can be served, often with lettuce leaves that act as scoops.
The name Pan de Alfacar refers to bread made at least partly by hand that can be formed into buns, rolls or rings. This bread is made in the municipal areas of Alfacar and Víznar, in the province of Granada. It is creamy white in color and has a spongy consistency due to many air holes that develop during the slow fermentation and baking process.
The most distinctive ingredient in the recipe for Pan de Alfacar is the Alfacar spring water, whose unique physical and chemical composition has a positive effect on the fermentation process of the natural yeast and sour bread dough. This high quality, aromatic bread has a pleasant acidity and complex flavor and is one of the most famous products of the region.
Best Province of Granada Food Producers
Aceites Maeva was founded in 1930 in the province of Jaén, Spain. The company specializes in the production, bottling, and commercialization of olive oil. They offer a variety of olive oil products, including extra virgin olive oil, infused olive oils, and single-serve packaging solutions.
Aceites Maeva exports its products to numerous countries worldwide. The company also emphasizes quality and innovation in their production processes.
AWARDS
ATHENA IOOC - Gold
2024, 2023
NYIOOC - Gold
2023
Olive Japan - Gold
2023, 2021, 2019, 2017, 2016
BEST Aceites Maeva Olive Oils
Cervezas Alhambra is a Spanish brewery founded in 1925 in Granada. Since 2007, it has been part of the Mahou San Miguel company. The brewery is known for its meticulous and slow brewing process, using the highest quality ingredients, such as exclusive hop varieties and Spanish barley from the regions of Navarre, Albacete, and Seville.
Over the past five years, Cervezas Alhambra has recorded a 54% increase in sales and plans to expand into international markets, particularly in the United Kingdom, Germany, and Italy.
O-Med is a family-owned company based in Ácula, Granada, Spain. They specialize in the production of high-quality extra virgin olive oils. O-Med harvests their olives early to achieve superior flavor and nutritional content. Their product range includes various single-varietal oils and aged vinegars.
They focus on sustainability and artisanal production methods in their facilities.
AWARDS
World Cheese Awards - Gold
2023, 2021
World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2024, 2021
BEST Quesería Artesanal Las RRR Cheeses
Collados Quesería is based in the province of Granada, Spain. It specializes in crafting artisanal cheeses from goat's milk. The milk used is sourced from local Murciano-Granadina goats. The facility combines traditional methods with modern technology to ensure high-quality products.
It offers a wide range of cheese varieties, including both fresh and aged options. Their cheeses are available in various forms, such as wheels and logs.
Jamones Vallejo is a family-owned company located in Trevélez, in the heart of La Alpujarra in Granada, within the Sierra Nevada National Park at an altitude of 1,750 meters. Founded in 1951 by Don Manuel Vallejo Prados, the company was the first to industrialize the ham curing process in Trevélez, building a drying facility with the aim of providing the highest quality ham.
In addition to production, Jamones Vallejo offers guided tours of its curing facilities, where visitors can learn more about the production process of the renowned Trevélez ham and visit their cellars filled with thousands of hams.
Jamones de Juviles is a family-owned company located in Juviles, in the heart of the Alpujarra region in Granada, Spain. Founded in 1930, the company is dedicated to traditional ham production, using natural curing methods without additives or preservatives, relying solely on sea salt.
Situated at an altitude of over 1,250 meters within the Sierra Nevada Natural Park, the company benefits from the region's unique microclimate to naturally dry its products. This process results in ham with low salt content and exceptional flavor, making it an authentic delicacy of the Alpujarra.
BEST Jamones De Juviles Meat Products
Best Province of Granada Food Products
Maeva & Toro - Aceites Maeva is a premium extra virgin olive oil produced by Aceites Maeva, a renowned Spanish brand celebrated for its commitment to quality and tradition. The Maeva & Toro range combines exceptional flavor with a rich aroma, offering a balanced profile with fruity notes, mild bitterness, and a peppery finish.
This olive oil is carefully crafted from selected olives, cold-pressed to preserve its natural taste and nutritional benefits. Ideal for both cooking and finishing dishes, Maeva & Toro elevates salads, grilled vegetables, meats, and seafood with its authentic Spanish essence.
AWARDS
NYIOOC - Gold
2023
Olive Japan - Gold
2023, 2021, 2019, 2017, 2016
EVO IOOC - Gold Medal
2023, 2021, 2018, 2017, 2016
Maeva Ecológico is a premium organic extra virgin olive oil by Aceites Maeva, crafted from organically grown olives and cold-pressed for purity. It features a fruity flavor with hints of grass and almond, ideal for salads, vegetables, and grilled dishes.
Certified organic, it embodies quality and sustainability.
AWARDS
NYIOOC - Gold
2023
Olive Japan - Gold
2023
London IOOC - Gold
2023
Patio de los Leones is a premium extra virgin olive oil produced by Aceites Maeva, a renowned Spanish olive oil brand. Named after the iconic Courtyard of the Lions in the Alhambra palace in Granada, this olive oil reflects a blend of tradition, heritage, and exceptional quality.
Carefully crafted from handpicked olives and cold-pressed to preserve their natural properties, Patio de los Leones offers a balanced flavor profile with fruity notes, a hint of bitterness, and a delicate peppery finish. This high-quality olive oil is perfect for drizzling over salads, vegetables, grilled meats, and artisanal bread, adding a touch of Spanish excellence to any dish.
AWARDS
EVO IOOC - Gold Medal
2022, 2020
London IOOC - Gold
2022
Terraolivo IOOC - Prestige Gold
2022
Queso de Oveja Gran Reserva Piparra al Romero made by Quesería Artesanal "Las RRR" is a type of artisanal cheese. This cheese is made from sheep’s milk and is cured to develop a firm texture and rich flavor. Infused with rosemary, it gains a distinctive and aromatic herbal note, complementing the natural richness of the sheep’s milk.
Quesería Artesanal "Las RRR" is known for its commitment to traditional cheese-making techniques, ensuring high-quality and authentic products.
AWARDS
World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2024, 2021
Carrefour Primera Cosecha by Aceites Maeva is an early harvest extra virgin olive oil made from the first olives of the season. Cold-pressed to preserve its intense, fresh flavor, it offers fruity notes with a balanced bitterness and peppery finish.
Ideal for enhancing salads, vegetables, and grilled dishes, this high-quality oil reflects freshness and premium craftsmanship.
AWARDS
NYIOOC - Gold
2023
Oro (D. O.P. Priego de Córdoba) by Aceites Maeva is a premium extra virgin olive oil from the renowned Priego de Córdoba region in Spain. Cold-pressed from carefully selected olives, it offers a fruity flavor with balanced bitterness and a peppery finish.
Perfect for drizzling on salads, vegetables, and grilled dishes, it embodies the excellence of Spanish olive oils.
AWARDS
Anatolian IOOC - Gold
2023
AWARDS
Crystal Taste Award - 3 stars
2023
O-Med Picual is an extra virgin olive oil produced by the Garcia-Casas family in Spain. This particular variety is known for its robust, full-bodied flavor profile with distinct notes of green almond, tomato, and freshly cut grass. The Picual olives used in this oil are typically harvested early to capture their maximum intensity and aroma.
This oil is highly regarded for its high polyphenol content, which contributes to its health benefits and stability. It pairs exceptionally well with grilled vegetables, meats, and can also be used to elevate the flavor of salads and dressings.
AWARDS
Olive Japan - Gold
2023, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2014
Flos Olei - The Best
2024
EVOOLEUM - TOP 100
2024, 2023, 2022
Queso Cabra Curado Leche Cruda made by Quesería Artesanal "Las RRR" is a traditional Spanish goat cheese known for its rich, tangy flavor and firm texture. This cheese is aged for several months, which allows it to develop a complex and robust taste that is both creamy and slightly sharp.
It is made using artisanal methods, ensuring high quality and adherence to traditional cheese-making practices. Quesería Artesanal "Las RRR" sources its goat milk locally, which contributes to the unique characteristics of the cheese.
AWARDS
World Cheese Awards - Gold
2023
World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2024
AWARDS
World Cheese Awards - Gold
2022
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