Alicante is land of seafood, fruits, rice, liqueurs and nougat. It receives Murcian, Valencian and even La Mancha influences due to its geographical position, one of the richest in Spain. It also has products with two of the most important labels in gastronomy (PGI and PDO). For these great reasons, today we want to immerse you in the gastronomy of Alicante so that you know their most typical products and dishes. Do you want to know which ones we are talking about?
Alicante nougat
This municipality, first of all, is known gastronomically for its famous nougatThat of Jijona (soft) and that of Alicante (Lasted). They are made with almonds, honey, sugars, egg white and wafers. And they have a completely deserved fame throughout Spain thanks to their excellent quality and flavor. This product also has the seal PGI, that is, of Indication of Protected Origin.
The table grape of Vinalopó
La table grapes bagged in the Medio Vinalopó region It is a unique fruit in the world due to its particular ripening process. Also, unlike other table grapes, this one grows under a paper bag, which protects it for at least 60 days. Then the grapes from the bunch are stored until they reach the consumer. Thanks to this peculiar cultivation system, it has exceptional physical and gastronomic characteristics. This has earned her to be the only bagged grape worthy of a PDO (Protected Designation of Origin).
The Granada Mollar
Another great star product of Alicante gastronomy, which also bears the DOP seal, is the Mollar grenade. This fruit stands out for its sweetness, it has a soft seed and is grown in a privileged area that protects the regions of Baix Vinalopó, L'Alcantí and the Vega Baja. In addition, a fact that you may not know is that this area is considered as the Land of Europe's Pomegranates because there it is concentrated around the 90% of national production.
Traditional spirits of Alicante
The cultural tradition of the liqueurs it is still in force today in Alicante and in the Valencian Community. This has been possible thanks to the fact that the Association of Manufacturers of Spirits, Compounds and Liquors requested a denomination from the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries in 1990. At that time a specific one was created that years later, in 1994, changed its name to be called Traditional spirits of Alicante, your current name. This is in charge of protecting and identifying the four most important traditional liquors in the province: the Anís paloma, the Aperitivo café de Alcoy, the Cantueso de Elche and the Herbero de la Sierra de Mariola.
Popular dishes in the gastronomy of Alicante
With all these products you can make multiple recipes and desserts, although as we have already said, the gastronomy of Alicante It is very influenced by Valencia and what is the best known of Valencia? The paella, or more specifically, its rice. Alicante is a large producer of rice, mainly in the areas of Pego, where Bomba rice is grown, and also in the region of Olive.
In the coastal towns of Alicante the well-known plenty of rice It is a dish that is part of your essential diet and is also made with delicious sea products such as cuttlefish, squid, crayfish, prawns, prawns, crabs or prawns, typical products of the Costa Blanca. Likewise, this exquisite rice dish is usually accompanied with the well-known and typical Aioli sauce, composed of garlic, oil and salt.
Another of the best known recipes in Alicante, especially in the province of Alcoi, is pericana, what is a sauce that I knowIt can be tasted spread on toast with aioli or as a garnish. In addition, its preparation is simple, since the main ingredients are chaplains or cod, a mixture of ñoras (dried peppers), garlic and olive oil.
Finally, the so-called plate la sheep It is one of the Alicante recipes with the greatest culinary tradition. Its elaboration main is made from patatas, flaked cod, ñoras and spinach or another variant of vegetables, accompanied, of course, by salt and olive oil.
These three recipes plus all the products mentioned make the gastronomy of Alicante one of the best and most tasty from Spain. Dishes easy to cook and to taste and to enjoy in any of the restaurants of their land. And to you, what is the product that attracts you the most? What recipe would you like to try?
