CALçOTS
Posted on: 1 April 2014
In any region or country, food is always a way to symbolize the type of culture and a way to represent that culture. With IES, we took a trip to Tarragona, one of the provinces of Catalonia, and we had the opportunity to have a true Catalan meal. Above, you can see a picture of calçots, which were basically very large onions, then put on a special type of grill, and could be dipped in a very delicious, mustard based sauce called romesco. It was then followed by a large dish of varied meats, served along with cava, red wine, and at our specific dinner, flan. We also attempted to drink the wine out of the large pitcher, called a Porron. It was such a difficult task because you had to just "go for it" and let the wine spill into your mouth quickly. Thank goodness for the free bib they gave us, because it definitely came in handy! The calcots and wine portray the Catalan culture very well because it represents the region well and the amount of bulbous harvest there is. These calcots were developed by a peasant farmer named Xat de Benaiges in the 20th century. Calcar, the verb in Catalan, means to cover the trunk of a plant or vegetable with soil, which refers to the name of "calcot" because of this agricultural term. Overall, Catalan food has a large impact and strength for the striving independent region of Catalonia.
In any region or country, food is always a way to symbolize the type of culture and a way to represent that culture. With IES, we took a trip to Tarragona, one of the provinces of Catalonia, and we had the opportunity to have a true Catalan meal. Above, you can see a picture of calçots, which were basically very large onions, then put on a special type of grill, and could be dipped in a very delicious, mustard based sauce called romesco. It was then followed by a large dish of varied meats, served along with cava, red wine, and at our specific dinner, flan. We also attempted to drink the wine out of the large pitcher, called a Porron. It was such a difficult task because you had to just "go for it" and let the wine spill into your mouth quickly. Thank goodness for the free bib they gave us, because it definitely came in handy! The calcots and wine portray the Catalan culture very well because it represents the region well and the amount of bulbous harvest there is. These calcots were developed by a peasant farmer named Xat de Benaiges in the 20th century. Calcar, the verb in Catalan, means to cover the trunk of a plant or vegetable with soil, which refers to the name of "calcot" because of this agricultural term. Overall, Catalan food has a large impact and strength for the striving independent region of Catalonia.
VINO Y CAVA
Posted on: 1 April 2014
A large part of Catalan food traditions is the beverage that is served with the food; wine. Spain as a whole is known for its great wines because of the geography and great terrain of the lands and soil. The Mediterranean coast and climate is ideal along with the different types of soil. The Pyrenees on the border of Spain and French also add to the diversity of the terrain which is great for plantations as well. Catalonia wine is made in the Spanish wine region of Catalonia, but also French wines are made here because of the close borders to France. Cava, a sparkling wine, personally my favorite because it is close to champagne, is Catalan's most famous and traditional type of wine. In the 20th century, Catalan wine industry became the most popular and main production of wine. Wine has helped spread the Catalan culture and give Catalonia a great name to itself. It was also the first Spanish wine region to use the stainless steel fermentation tanks which increased its popularity as well. Wine has had a great impact on Catalonia ever since the Romans were here in the 14th century. Like many traditions the Romans have started, Catalonia has carried them on and has embraced the traditions even more within their culture.
Above, you can see pictures of me and my friends at a wine tasting event held by IES. There were many different types of wines such as Cava, red wine, and white wine. We learned that depending on the types of grapes that were used to make the wine, it will determine the color that comes through. From its historical point of view, to its increasing in socialization, wine has become a very large tradition and part of the Catalan Culture.
A large part of Catalan food traditions is the beverage that is served with the food; wine. Spain as a whole is known for its great wines because of the geography and great terrain of the lands and soil. The Mediterranean coast and climate is ideal along with the different types of soil. The Pyrenees on the border of Spain and French also add to the diversity of the terrain which is great for plantations as well. Catalonia wine is made in the Spanish wine region of Catalonia, but also French wines are made here because of the close borders to France. Cava, a sparkling wine, personally my favorite because it is close to champagne, is Catalan's most famous and traditional type of wine. In the 20th century, Catalan wine industry became the most popular and main production of wine. Wine has helped spread the Catalan culture and give Catalonia a great name to itself. It was also the first Spanish wine region to use the stainless steel fermentation tanks which increased its popularity as well. Wine has had a great impact on Catalonia ever since the Romans were here in the 14th century. Like many traditions the Romans have started, Catalonia has carried them on and has embraced the traditions even more within their culture.
Above, you can see pictures of me and my friends at a wine tasting event held by IES. There were many different types of wines such as Cava, red wine, and white wine. We learned that depending on the types of grapes that were used to make the wine, it will determine the color that comes through. From its historical point of view, to its increasing in socialization, wine has become a very large tradition and part of the Catalan Culture.
PAN CON TOMATE
Posted on: 1 April 2014
When I first arrived to Spain, I remember that I was determined to have a more open-mind about food and eating, because part of submerging yourself in the culture, is eating the food as well. In the USA, I am considered "un-American" because I do not like burgers, french fries, ketchup, or eggs, but I just like to call myself a picky eater. I am also not a fan of raw tomatoes, so when I found out pan con tomate, bread with tomato and olive oil, or in Catalan Pa amb tomaquet, was served at about every meal here in Barcelona I realized I would have to change my eating habits. Pan con tomate, is a very famous Catalan food tradition that can be found at about every restaurant or at every dining experience. It is made by rubbing a raw tomato onto the bread. Then, the next step is to drizzle some olive oil over the tomato spread and then sprinkle some salt on top of it. You can see the process and ingredients of making this Catalan tradition in the pictures above. I have learned to like this tradition and it has become part of my breakfast in the morning. Sometimes, people will even add meat to it like ham, chorizo, or even melted cheese. Sometimes, even garlic can be sprinkled or rubbed onto the bread or toasted bread. Pan con tomate is an orignal recipe and can mainly be found in the areas of Aragon, Catalonia, and Majorca. Although it is a Spanish and Catalan tradition, I will definitely be bringing this tradition back into the US, at least into my household, because it is a delicious way to make plain bread much more exciting.
When I first arrived to Spain, I remember that I was determined to have a more open-mind about food and eating, because part of submerging yourself in the culture, is eating the food as well. In the USA, I am considered "un-American" because I do not like burgers, french fries, ketchup, or eggs, but I just like to call myself a picky eater. I am also not a fan of raw tomatoes, so when I found out pan con tomate, bread with tomato and olive oil, or in Catalan Pa amb tomaquet, was served at about every meal here in Barcelona I realized I would have to change my eating habits. Pan con tomate, is a very famous Catalan food tradition that can be found at about every restaurant or at every dining experience. It is made by rubbing a raw tomato onto the bread. Then, the next step is to drizzle some olive oil over the tomato spread and then sprinkle some salt on top of it. You can see the process and ingredients of making this Catalan tradition in the pictures above. I have learned to like this tradition and it has become part of my breakfast in the morning. Sometimes, people will even add meat to it like ham, chorizo, or even melted cheese. Sometimes, even garlic can be sprinkled or rubbed onto the bread or toasted bread. Pan con tomate is an orignal recipe and can mainly be found in the areas of Aragon, Catalonia, and Majorca. Although it is a Spanish and Catalan tradition, I will definitely be bringing this tradition back into the US, at least into my household, because it is a delicious way to make plain bread much more exciting.