Tasting of Menorcan Products

Embark on a unique culinary journey in Menorca and discover the authentic flavors of the Mediterranean. Participating in a local produce tasting is the best way to immerse yourself in the island’s culture. Menorca, a designated Biosphere Reserve, offers a rich gastronomic heritage that you can experience firsthand through organized tastings and visits to artisan producers, connecting you directly with the land and sea.

Savor the true taste of the island by indulging in its most iconic products. From the world-renowned Mahon cheese to the distinctive sobrasada and the refreshing pomada, each flavor tells a story. These gastronomic experiences in Menorca are not just about food; they are a deep dive into a tradition of quality and passion, making your visit an unforgettable sensory adventure.

Mahon Cheese

Mahon cheese is the star of Menorcan gastronomy, holding a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO). This distinctive cheese, made from cow’s milk, is recognizable by its square shape and orange rind. Its flavor profile ranges from mild, buttery, and slightly salty in its young stages to intensely nutty and crystalline when aged, offering a complex taste that is a true reflection of the island’s terroir.

Sobrasada

Sobrasada is a quintessential Menorcan spreadable sausage made from ground pork, paprika, and salt. The paprika gives it a vibrant red color and a sweet, smoky flavor. Unlike other cured meats, it has a soft, almost paste-like texture, making it perfect for spreading on crusty bread. It is a staple in many traditional recipes and a beloved part of the local diet.

Carnixua

Carnixua is another traditional cured sausage, often considered a coarser, spicier cousin of sobrasada. It is made with lean pork and seasoned with black pepper and other spices, giving it a more robust and peppery flavor. Its firmer texture and intense taste make it a favorite for those seeking a stronger charcuterie experience on the island.

Menorca Wine

The wine production in Menorca has gained significant recognition, earning a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI). The island’s wineries specialize in crisp, aromatic white wines from the native Moll grape, as well as elegant reds and rosés that capture the unique character of the Mediterranean climate and limestone soils, offering a delightful surprise for wine enthusiasts.

Pomada (Gin with Lemonade)

Pomada is the iconic drink of Menorca’s Sant Joan festivals. This simple yet refreshing mix of Xoriguer gin, a local gin with a distinctive character, and cloudy lemonade is a symbol of celebration. The sweet-and-sour balance of the lemonade perfectly complements the herbal notes of the gin, creating a deceptively smooth and utterly unique local beverage.

Carquinyols from Menorca

Carquinyols are the traditional almond biscuits of Menorca. These hard, crunchy cookies are made from a simple dough of almonds, egg, sugar, and flour, and are known for their distinctive square or lozenge shape. Their deep, toasty almond flavor makes them the perfect accompaniment to a coffee or a glass of sweet wine.

Ensaimada from Menorca

The Ensaimada is a classic spiral-shaped pastry, also famous in Mallorca, but with its own Menorcan character. It is made from a rich, sweet, yeast-leavened dough containing "saïm" (pork lard), which gives it a uniquely flaky and airy texture. Often simply dusted with powdered sugar, it is a beloved breakfast or snack, sometimes filled with cream or pumpkin jam.

Camot

Traditional food made during the slaughter to preserve meat for months. Characteristic Menorcan cured sausage made with pork, spices like pepper and anise, and paprika, then stuffed into a pork skin and cooked before being hung to dry and cure.

Amargos or Pastisets from Menorca

The term "pastas" refers to a variety of traditional Menorcan pastries and biscuits. Amargos (meaning "bitters") are small, dense almond cakes with a characteristic hint of bitterness. Pastisets are delicate, shortcrust pastry tartlets, often shaped like a basket, filled with the sweet "cabell d’àngel" pumpkin jam. These treats are a cornerstone of the island’s confectionery.