|
When people talk about the food of Spain, they don’t usually mention the Canary Islands. However, the archipelago has developed a unique strain of Iberian cuisine over the last decades, thanks to its closeness to West Africa. The secret is getting out because Tenerife is fast becoming one of the best gastro destinations in Europe. But what is it that has brought about this transformation? Well, you’re in luck – I can give you a taste of why now. Market to Market The first element is perhaps no secret. Fresh ingredients will always bring up the quality of food no matter what country you are eating in – and Tenerife has a number of great markets from which the best produce can be bought. Farmer’s markets litter the island but there are three that stand out above all the rest: La Laguna Market, Tacoronte Farmer’s Market and Nuestra Señora de Africa (this last one is very busy, so it’s best to get there early). They are a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach. Vino Five of the Canary Islands’ eleven official wines come from Tenerife. This island is most certainly a wine island, with the Malvasia grape producing the region’s most famous vineyard export. The local winemakers are keen to show off their wares: bodega visits and tastings are encouraged, as are tours. Alternatively, you can just sit on a balcony somewhere, with a glass to sip from and a sunset to gaze at. Non-Grape Fruits Wine may be famous, but Tenerife’s verdant sub-tropical climate means a whole array of exotic fruit is produced as well – papayas, mangos, bananas and star fruit are just a small selection of the lush local produce. Cheese Made from goat or cow milk, Tenerife cheese has a unique flavour and edge. It’s even better eaten fried, as tradition dictates that it should be. It might not be as healthy as the preceding fruits, but the taste renders that pesky fact unimportant. Unique Flavours Don’t be afraid to try cabrito, or young goat, a local dish which is usually braised or slow cooked. Sugared aloe vera is another fantastic local delicacy, as is gofio, which is a grain flour used in porridge. Openness is the key to enjoying Tenerife’s spectrum of flavours. Where to Stay Cuisine culture is booming in Tenerife; resorts are aware of this trend and tailoring experiences to suit foodies. Baobab Suites is one such place. Located in Costa Adeje, it is situated close to a family-run cooking workshop called Cook & Taste. They offer great classes with instructions on how to make the best paella and tapas – and they even reveal other Canary culinary secrets. The Baobab is a five-star accommodation with great views and several restaurants. They also provide a kitchen for guests to try cooking for themselves so that they can immerse themselves in the food culture of Tenerife. Resorts don’t come much better than that. John Dixon is an experienced world traveller and the Managing Director of Prestige Holidays. For over 30 years, he has been providing holidays in luxury Tenerife resorts, as well as holidays in Bermuda, Croatia and many other destinations around the globe. John tries to visit each of the destinations regularly in order to ensure the quality of his properties, and stay up-to-date about the latest local news and events. He has a taste for the finer things in life and has an interest in arts, history and culture.
Related Articles -
Tenerife, resorts,
| 
