What to bring from Barcelona as a gift – 20 best souvenirs
Spain is a great place for a holiday or vacation. I want to bring as a keepsake not only a good mood and unique memories, but also something significant. Do not exchange for the same type of magnets and other souvenir trifles, it is better to get a truly authentic gift. It will remind you of this hospitable country, its traditions and customs. Do not forget about gifts for loved ones that will help them feel the truly Spanish spirit. Once in the capital of Catalonia, it is not surprising to get confused, there are so many unusual and interesting things around. In order not to wonder what to bring from Barcelona, take a look at our selection of great ideas.
Fuet
Spaniards know a lot about delicious food. Meat delicacies will be a wonderful edible souvenir that conveys the national flavor. Pay attention to the famous Fuet sausage. This word is translated as “whip”. Indeed, raw smoked sausage, covered with a noble white mold, is quite dense, flexible, thin and light. Especially attractive is its aroma, which is a bit like mushroom. Fuet has a specific thin, delicate, refined taste.
For cooking, finely chopped pork is used, lard, pepper and garlic are added. Then the minced meat is tightly placed in the small intestine, which is rubbed with salt. Fuet ripens for two months in limbo. The room should not be very humid. It is under these conditions that mold forms. When buying, pay attention – it should be dry to the touch.
If the mold is wet and slippery, it is better not to buy such a product. This sausage is perfect as an appetizer for dry red wine. It can be combined with cheese and tomatoes. It is customary to eat fuet directly with mold, without cleaning it. In local restaurants, this delicacy is served between main courses, as an aperitif, and is never used for sandwiches.
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The same
This unique meat delicacy is considered a symbol of the country. If you are looking for the perfect gift for your loved ones, jamon is perfect. The name translates as “ham”. This dish was known two thousand years ago. Historians believe that the Romans invented it. There is a version that jamon was part of the diet on the ship of Columbus. What is the delicacy made from? Jamon is the dry-cured hind legs of pigs. Everything is important here – both the breed of the animal and its nutrition throughout life.
Budget serrano jamon is made from white pigs that live in a barn and eat industrial feed. For the elite Iberian jamon, the meat of a special breed of black Iberian pigs is used. It has marble veins and is dark red in color. Black pigs graze freely and feed on grass and acorns. Jamon is a rather tough meat, so it is cut into thin slices. Usually served with red wine and complemented with olives.
Sometimes – on bread, which is previously rubbed with olive oil. In any supermarket you can buy inexpensive types of this delicacy. But if you want to try it before buying, then you should visit the jamoneria. This is a kind of restaurant whose main dish is jamon. A famous establishment of this kind is Enrique Tomas (Carrer de Pelai, 18). Here you can buy both a small package and a large ham.
Chorizo
This king of sausage cuisine is known all over the world, it is produced in many countries, including Russia. But real chorizo can only be tasted in the Iberian Peninsula. Spicy pork sausage has been known since antiquity. One of the Spanish kings – Alfonso X the Wise – even issued a decree according to which in taverns everyone who ordered wine was served bread with a piece of chorizo.
This was the reason for the emergence of a local tradition of eating snacks, which are called “tapas”. A special “smoky” taste is given to it by paprika, which is previously smoked on oak chips. Expressive taste and unique aroma – it is impossible to resist them. Chorizo is served with olives, feta cheese and dried tomatoes. Often you can find fried sausage. In addition, chorizo is part of a huge number of local dishes. Now there are many varieties of this delicacy.
Three of them are especially popular:
Wine
It is impossible not to try the local wine. This country confidently holds the first place in terms of vineyard area in the world, and in terms of the amount of wine produced, it gives the palm only to France and Italy. The history of winemaking in the country has more than one millennium. The locals have created several classifications of wines.
The most basic of them divides drinks into the following categories:
There are also four types of wine depending on the aging period. Among the most famous drinks are Gramona Gessami, Jean Leon Petit Chardonnay, Agusti Torello Mata Rosado Trepat, Castell del Remei. Returning home, be sure to grab a bottle of wine. It will remind you of bright Spain, warm sun and wonderful nature.
Chocolate
Cocoa beans were first brought to Spain by the famous traveler Columbus. During the fourth expedition, landing in Guyana, he tried a strange foamy drink. He liked the taste, and, returning to Spain, Columbus gave the royal couple hitherto unknown fruits. Then they still did not make the proper impression. A few years later, the conqueror Hernan Cortes, having gone to America, was also impressed by the amazing new taste.
Cortes was accompanied on his campaigns by a certain monk who brought a bag of cocoa fruits to the abbot of the De Piedro monastery. Residents were the first to figure out how to make a hot chocolate drink. Since then, chocolate has become a favorite treat in this country. Initially, it was the privilege of the nobility, but later other residents were able to appreciate it. The production of the world famous Valor chocolate dates back to 1881.
It was then that a small family business was organized in the town of Villajoyosa. Now it is the largest chocolate manufacturer in the country, which keeps all the secrets and traditions. But, in addition to preserving unique recipes, the Spaniards are no strangers to experimentation. For example, you can try green chocolate, fortified with vitamins, which contains seaweed.
Turron
Turron is another delicious souvenir from the Iberian Peninsula. This delicacy is also known as the Spanish halva. It is made from almonds, honey, sugar and egg white. Popcorn, chocolate and fruits are sometimes added, this variety is a must-have dessert on the Christmas table. The inhabitants have a beautiful legend about the origin of the turron.
One of the kings married a Scandinavian princess. She was very homesick for her native snowy landscapes, and her husband ordered the cultivation of almond trees throughout the kingdom. Blooming almonds reminded the Queen of snowy Scandinavia, and the Spaniards learned how to use the huge almond crop to make a wonderful dessert. In fact, everything is much more prosaic. The turron recipe was adopted from the Arabs, who once ruled the territory of the Iberian Peninsula.
A real authentic turron is made in the small town of Gijón. The delicacy produced there has a certificate of authenticity. And from this city, the turron diverges throughout the country. Be sure to go to the candy store and purchase this dessert. Its unique taste will never be forgotten.
Carquinolis biscuits
This cookie is another discovery for gourmets. Most of all, it resembles crackers. Carquinolis is prepared from flour, sugar and eggs, almonds are a mandatory addition. The biscuit has an elongated shape and is quite dry. This shape is needed in order to make it convenient to dip it in a drink. It can be consumed with tea or coffee.
Another option is with sweet wine. Most often, carquinolis is served for breakfast or an afternoon snack. It can be purchased, for example, in the pastry shop La Colmena (Plaza de l'Angel, 12) or Triomf, on Rambla del Poblenou, 41.
Cheese
The acquaintance with the local cuisine will be incomplete if you do not try the famous local cheeses for which this country is famous. There are hundreds of names of this product, and it is not easy to decide which cheese to bring. Approximately 20 varieties have a certificate of authenticity of origin. For production, goat, sheep or cow milk is used. Cheeses vary in maturity, ranging from one week to at least a year. They can be aged in oil or wine, spices and truffles are added.
One of the most famous varieties is Manchego. It is even mentioned by Cervantes, and this product is produced in the homeland of Don Quixote. Ripening period – up to one year.
Tetilla is a semi-hard cheese with a delicate lemon-grass flavor. Interesting unusual shape in the form of a cone. It is served most often with fruit and young wine.
Cabrales is a soft cream cheese ripened in limestone caves. Their microclimate helps the formation of noble white mold. The heads are usually pierced with special rods so that the mold gets inside.
Sauce
The Spaniards can choose the appropriate sauce for any dish, which will emphasize the amazing and unique taste. You can surprise your loved ones if you bring home this fragrant and spicy product of local cuisine. The most symbolic is the aioli sauce. The name translates as “oil and garlic”, but eggs, some fruits and mustard are also added there. It goes well with fried meat, suitable for seafood and fish dishes.
Romesco sauce made from tomatoes, olive oil, nuts and garlic is very popular with white meat, vegetable and fish dishes. Tomatoes are not boiled for him, but baked on a baking sheet. Brava hot sauce is a popular condiment made from chili peppers, tomatoes, olive oil and vinegar. Garum sauce can rightfully be called the oldest, because it was used by the ancient Romans. For cooking, take small fish, vinegar, honey, soy sauce, spices and olives.
Spices
Fans of herbs and spices will be delighted with the diversity in Spain. It is most pleasant to buy them in open markets, where a peculiar aroma envelops everyone. Chili pepper, for which the Spaniards are grateful to Columbus, is added to many local dishes. It can be found in stews, sauces, sausages.
Saffron has always been a truly precious spice. This plant is found in Spain, but only the stamens are used for culinary purposes. 85,000 flowers are processed to produce one kilogram of saffron. Most often used in paella, which, thanks to this spice, acquires a beautiful yellowish color and exquisite aroma.
Paprika is a round-shaped sweet pepper. Spaniards love spicy food, but paprika is often added in large quantities to various dishes. Very popular and spicy herbs. Fennel, coriander, parsley, cilantro give a delicate aroma and unique taste.
Tea
Get ready to be surprised by the local tea. The Spaniards do not drink the drink we are used to so often. Usually they set off its taste with a variety of additives – mint, bergamot and even olive leaves. Most of all, locals love herbal drinks. Mint, chamomile, linden, thyme, hibiscus, cornflower, verbena are used.
The traditions of local tea drinking are very similar to Moroccan ones, because it was the Arabs who introduced the Spaniards to this drink. You can meet special establishments – teteria. This is a kind of tea house. Green tea is especially popular. For a souvenir home, premium tea is well suited, which is distinguished by its delicate taste and bright festive packaging.
Coffee
The coffee culture of this amazing country is a symbol of enjoying life, energy and unpredictability. Hot temperamental Spaniards drink this drink from morning to evening. The country does not produce its own coffee, but has many industries where it is roasted and packaged. Walking along the streets, you will definitely see one of the many coffee houses. The ritual of drinking coffee is unhurried, implies an interesting conversation and may well drag on for more than one hour. There are a great many recipes for making coffee.
Jug of porron
This is the most symbolic gift from Barcelona, 100% authentic. Now very few people use them for their intended purpose. This small glass jug with a long thin spout was used for drinking wine and served instead of a glass. A trickle of drink should fall directly into the mouth. The Spaniards used such a vessel as early as the 14th century.
This is a kind of hybrid of a horn and a rhyton. He was appreciated for the fact that not a single drop of the drink would spill past. The standard volume of porron is 0.95 liters and is traditionally made of glass. Since the vessel does not come into contact with the lips, drinking from it is considered hygienic and allows all members of the company to enjoy wine from one jug. The appearance of porron is very elegant and is able to decorate any cupboard with dishes.
Cloth
The city has a huge number of boutiques and fashion stores where you can find exclusive outfits from famous designers. Fans of original brands should visit the Born quarter, the center of fashion life. The prices will also pleasantly surprise you, because this country is considered a fairly inexpensive country in Europe. And 35,000 fashion stores will amaze you with their assortment.
Especially worth noting are the traditional sales. Twice a year, connoisseurs of high-quality and fashionable clothes gather in Barcelona. The first sale starts in the second week of January. Until February, you can please yourself with an excellent purchase at a nice price. It is better to fly for the second time for shopping by July 1 and enjoy discounts that can reach 90% until the end of August.
Squadrons
Speaking of clothes, you can not ignore the shoes. The Spaniards move a lot on foot, and the climate in the country is hot. For them, it is important that the shoes are comfortable and light. These qualities are fully consistent with espadrilles. Their feature is in the sole made of natural materials. Especially often jute, rope or rope is used. The top may vary. By trying on espadrilles, you will radically change your point of view about comfortable shoes and forget about sneakers.
There is only one drawback – they are worn only in dry weather, as the woven sole deteriorates in the rain. The variety of species is amazing. Espadrilles can be flat, wedge, platform, braided toe, lace-up, tie, no back. They are suitable for any clothes – shorts, trousers, jeans, skirts and dresses. Espadrilles are worn exclusively on bare feet, but thanks to natural materials, good ventilation is ensured.
Castanets
Most people instantly associate with a beautiful senorita in a scarlet long skirt, dancing an incendiary flamenco to the rhythmic sound of castanets. This unpretentious percussion instrument should definitely be on your souvenir list. Take it out on a frosty winter day, and energetic rhythms, gentle sun, olive groves and wonderful streets of the city will immediately come to life in your memory. There is a version that the locals owe the appearance of castanets to the same Columbus, who brought them from the New World.
Initially, they were used by the Spanish gypsies, who were under constant persecution. For about three hundred years they were in exile. In the 18th century, persecution ceased, and flamenco became free, and castanets became a symbol of the country. Now it is the most popular souvenir. Castanets for the right and left hands are slightly different. For the left hand – smaller, have a low tone and give a rhythmic pattern. For the right one, they can produce a more complex rhythm and even trills. There are 5 game elements in total.
Olive oil
Olive oil is called “liquid gold”, and this is not surprising. This country produces 45% of the world's oil, and the average citizen consumes about 12 kilograms of it per year. Local olive oil is not accidentally considered a reference. The entire production process is under the strictest control. They keep track of everything from harvesting to packaging design. The best varieties either remain in the country or are exported to the nearest neighbors.
Olives are harvested from September to December. Even from this difficult work, the Spaniards made a holiday – the olive festival. The most important secret of the oil is that between the collection of olives and the beginning of the extraction, as little time as possible should pass, no more than 6 hours. More than 260 varieties of olives are grown in the country, but only 24 are used for oil production. The best varieties of olives to bring are Knolive Oils SL, Almazaras de la Subbetica SL, Venta del barón.
Cosmetics
If you see cosmetics that have “eco” or “bio” in their names, you should know that more than 50% of the ingredients are natural. This is the only way a manufacturer can obtain a quality certificate. Cosmetics would be a good gift. Many brands are unknown outside the country, but they are well-deservedly loved by local residents.
While shopping, pay attention to the following brands:
Kaganer
Speaking of Catalonia and Barcelona, one cannot fail to mention this local and very spicy souvenir. Caganer is a small figurine depicting a man who relieves himself of great need. The Spaniards are a very witty people. Kaganer in their understanding has a special meaning – it is a symbol of the equality of all people, regardless of their status. Once such a figurine was a Christmas souvenir. According to legend, it depicts a Catalan peasant who, along with the Magi, went to greet the newborn baby Jesus.
But on the way, the unfortunate stomach seized, and for a long time he was looking for a place where he could relieve himself. The search was long, and his companions had already managed to reach Bethlehem and bow to the baby. There used to be a tradition – at Christmas a mini-exposition of the nativity scene was created, and the kaganer figurine had to be hidden either in it or somewhere else in the room. The one who finds it will be provided with good luck for the whole year, but must keep the figurine in the most visible place.
Sports paraphernalia
Even people who are far from sports know that Barcelona is famous for the famous football club of the same name. The Spaniards are very athletic, reckless and zealously follow the success of their favorite team. All kinds of paraphernalia will be an excellent memory of the trip for our compatriots who are passionate about football. You can buy clothes, balls, towels, backpacks and other useful things, decorated with the logo of a famous football club. There are many shops in the city that specialize in this topic.