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Showing posts with the label food tourism Spain

From Olive Groves to Iberian Ham: Córdoba’s Bet on Gastronomy

For a long time, tourism in Córdoba was defined by its monuments. The Mosque–Cathedral, stone bridges, old streets filled with history. All of that still matters, of course. But quietly, away from the postcards, something else has been gaining strength. Food. Real food. The kind that grows slowly, gets cured with patience, and tastes different depending on where you stand. Across the province, the comarcas of Córdoba have begun to position gastronomy as more than a side attraction. They now see it as a reason to visit, stay longer, and return. Cooking With a Sense of Place Each comarca tells its own story through flavour. In the vast plains of the Campiña and the Guadalquivir valley, olive trees dominate the land. Olive oil here isn’t a souvenir, it’s a way of life. Families know which grove produces softer oils, which ones bite a little more. Visitors are beginning to notice that too, tasting oils where they’re made, not just where they’re sold. Up north, in Los Pedroches, the rhythm...

Barcarrota Marks 20 Years of Culinary Excellence with Iberian Pork Showcase

Pata Negra Ham From May 1st to 4th, 2025, Barcarrota in Badajoz province, Spain, becomes the epicenter of Iberian pork gastronomy while celebrating the 20th Iberian Pork Gastronomic Competition. This event began in 2005 and has grown significantly, reflecting the region's deep-rooted culinary traditions and commitment to promoting local agricultural and livestock activities. A Celebration of Iberian Heritage The competition is held under the "Tierra Deheseada" territorial quality label, an initiative by the Association for the Development of the Olivenza Region (Aderco).  This label aims to highlight the unique qualities of the dehesa landscape—a traditional Spanish pastureland ecosystem that supports the rearing of Iberian pigs. The dehesa's rich biodiversity and sustainable farming practices contribute to the exceptional quality of Iberian pork products, including the renowned Pata Negra Ham. Over the years, the event has evolved from a modest gathering of 200 atten...