
A major highlight is the cuisine in Mallorca. The typical Mallorcan spices provide the particularly delicious Mediterranean flavour.
The Majorcan cuisine possesses a Mediterranean character and is a regional variant of Spanish cuisine. The main base ingredients in the preparation of Mallorcan dishes are tomatoes, peppers, aubergines, courgettes and garlic. Mostly, the dishes are prepared with olive oil and Typical Mallorcan spices prepared.
Typical Mallorcan spices
The use of natural and locally-sourced spices is one of the most important secrets of Mallorcan cuisine. When preparing typical dishes, almonds, olives, sea fennel, saffron, and above all, crystallised sea salt must not be missing. Spices in Mallorca give the Mallorcan cuisine a special touch and intensify the flavour.
Flor de Sal – Sea salt
One of the most famous Mallorcan spices is Hand-harvested and natural sea salt. The Flor de Sal is produced directly on the Balearic island, in a large salt pan within the well-known nature reserve „Es Trenc„gathered in the southeastern part of Mallorca. The name Flor de Sal literally translates to 'salt flower' in German. This represents the fine, top layer of the salt pans. The individual salt crystals resemble flower petals in their structure. Due to the strong sunshine during the summer months, the salt crystallises on its own and is then harvested by hand.
Sea salt is healthy for the human body because it contains significantly more trace elements,minerals, potassium and magnesium as common table salt. When preparing typical Mallorcan dishes, Flor de Sal is used either on its own or in various mixtures with spices, herbs or olives.
Almond flour
Almond flour is used in many traditional dishes. A special spice blend is made from the flour. This can be used either on its own or in combination with other ingredients, such as dried tomatoes. The almond flour pairs well excellent with meat dishes in combination with rice and vegetables. It lends the typical Balearic dishes a pleasant and fresh aroma.
Another spice mix can be made from the almond flour. This involves mixing the flour with different pungent ingredients, such as oregano, chilli, ginger or garlic. The sharp and spicy mix is perfect for fish dishes with pasta.
The almonds can be chopped and mixed with figs, dried bananas, orange or lemon peel, coconut, cinnamon, and brown sugar. The Sweet spice blend is found in many Mallorcan desserts, Desserts and salads.
Mallorcan peppers
Since the 17th century, the Mallorcan pepper plant „Capsicum annuum“ has given the Spanish sausage speciality „sobrassada“ its special flavour and colour. Thanks to the Mallorcan
„Slow Food movement“ The pepper variety was saved from extinction.
The paprika powder is produced using a particularly elaborate process. The small The peppers have to be threaded by hand.
and hang for weeks to dry for the first time. After a second drying in a special oven, the peppers are ground into paprika powder in stone mills.
Mallorcan paprika is one of the most popular Mallorcan spices. It has an intense aroma (sweet and spicy) and is suitable Excellent for soups, stews and hearty sauces. Furthermore, paprika powder is used for pickled artichokes, olives, garlic, and marinades.
Sea fennel and saffron
Sea fennel grows on the rocky coasts of Mallorca and is little known in Germany. It has green, fleshy leaves, a spicy flavour, and is one of Mallorca's most popular seasonings. The leaves are steeped in water, salt, and mild vinegar for preparation.. Afterwards, the Spanish often enjoy eating the pickled leaves with potato salad or bread.
Saffron is one of the best-known spices in the world and is frequently used in Mallorcan cuisine. It is used in many Spanish dishes. The best-known is Saffron as an ingredient in paella. The popular spice gives the Spanish national dish its typical yellowish colour.
Buy Mallorcan spices at the markets
Locals and tourists need fresh ingredients and the most important Mallorcan spices to prepare Mallorcan dishes. Both can be most easily obtained at the regularly occurring Street markets. Every place on the island has its own fixed market day. The most popular markets are in Alcúdia, Andratx, S'Arracó, Santanyi and Sineu. On market days, tourists and locals can stroll to their heart's content from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, shopping for fresh produce and spices. Another alternative to the weekly markets are the permanent market halls in the capital city. Palm.
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