Best Province of Alicante Foods
Turrón de Jijona is a soft nougat made with almonds, honey, sugar, and egg whites. It was named after its birthplace, a small Valencian town of Jijona (Xixona). This nougat is made by cooking sugar, honey, almonds, and egg whites.
It has a light brown color, and it is speckled with tiny almond pieces. The ingredients are cooked, turned into a paste, and then cooked again in the so-called boixets. The mixture is then poured into molds until it sets. This nougat does not include any wafers.
It can be made with several types of honey, including rosemary and orange blossom honey, while the almonds must come from the Mediterranean region.
OTHER VARIATIONS OF Nougat
Arroz con conejo y caracoles is a traditional rice dish originating from Alicante. The dish is usually made with a combination of rabbit pieces, bomba rice, snails, stock, saffron, chickpeas, tomatoes, onions, celery, carrots, bell peppers, rosemary, garlic, olive oil, and seasonings.
The ingredients are browned, then cooked in stock which is brought to a boil, and the heat is then reduced in order for the dish to simmer until everything is fully cooked and the stock is fully absorbed. A crispy layer called socarrat should form at the bottom if the dish is properly prepared.
MOST ICONIC Arroz con conejo y caracoles
Arròs a banda is a Spanish rice dish originating from Alicante in Valencia. The dish was invented by fishermen who reserved the leftover fish from the markets and cooked it with potatoes and onions. The rice was cooked in the leftover fish broth, and it was used as a side dish that accompanies the fish, hence the name arròs a banda which means rice on the side.
The broth is usually cooked with cheap and common fish such as rock fish, monkfish, and fish heads, with the occasional addition of saffron, paprika, bay leaves, garlic, or puréed tomatoes. The broth is always served apart from the rice. This humble rice dish is traditionally accompanied by allioli.
Olleta is a traditional rice dish originating from the Alicante province. Although the dish has a few variations, it’s usually made with a combination of Spanish rice, chickpeas, chestnuts, pumpkin, stock, olive oil, garlic, salt pork or bacon, swiss chard, and salt, while morcilla slices can be added for extra flavor, but it’s completely optional.
Olleta is traditionally cooked in a large cazuela until most of the liquid has been absorbed. The rice should be tender, but still a bit soupy. Before serving, it’s recommended to let the dish rest for a few minutes. This specialty from Alicante is a typical cold-weather fare.
Botifarra de ceba or morcilla de cebolla is a Spanish sausage originating from Alicante. In Valencian, the word ceba means onion. The sausage consists of blood, fat, and onions that are seasoned and flavored with salt, pepper, pimentón, oregano, and cloves before the concoction is stuffed into casings.
It can be consumed fresh, fried, grilled, or boiled.
MAIN INGREDIENTS
Arroz con costra is a traditional rice dish, a cross between a paella and a casserole originating from the Alicante area. What differentiates arroz con costra from other Spanish rice dishes is its glossy top crust of beaten eggs, hence the name, as costra means crust.
Although there are some variations, the dish is usually prepared with a combination of rice, eggs, spareribs, pork, chicken (or sometimes rabbit), butifarra sausage, olive oil, tomatoes, stock, salt, and paprika or pimentón. The dish is often made in a large cazuela – the ingredients are first fried, then simmered in the stock, and the cazuela is then transferred to the oven with the beaten eggs poured over the rice.
Best Province of Alicante Food Producers
AWARDS
Terraolivo IOOC - Grand Prestige Gold
2022
Terraolivo IOOC - Prestige Gold
2015
OLIVINUS - Medalla de Oro
2023
BEST Beneoliva Olive Oils
Quesería El de Sereix is a cheese producer located in Mutxamel, Alicante, Spain. The company specializes in crafting high-quality artisan cheeses using traditional methods. They are known for their use of local ingredients, particularly the milk from sheep and goats that graze in the region.
Their products include a variety of cheeses, each aged and treated uniquely to develop diverse flavors and textures.
AWARDS
OLIVINUS - Gran Prestigio Oro
2022, 2021
OLIVINUS - Prestigio Oro
2022
BEST Almazara Maitino Olive Oils
AWARDS
Terraolivo IOOC - Prestige Gold
2022
Terraolivo IOOC - Grand Prestige Gold
2021
BEST Finca 9 Oliveres Olive Oils
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2021
BEST Coloma García Confectioneries
MASIA EL ALTET is an olive oil producer located in the Alicante region of Spain. The estate is situated within a natural park and benefits from a unique microclimate that is ideal for olive cultivation. They produce high-quality extra virgin olive oils using a combination of traditional and modern techniques.
The varieties of olives they grow include Picual, Arbequina, and indigenous Spanish varieties such as Genovesa and Blanqueta.
AWARDS
ATHENA IOOC - Double Gold
2021, 2020
Olive Japan - Gold
2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013
ATHENA IOOC - Gold
2021, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016
BEST Masia El Altet Olive Oils
Bodegas Francisco Gómez is an olive oil producer based in Villena, in the province of Alicante, Spain. The company specializes in the production of high-quality extra virgin olive oil, utilizing traditional methods combined with modern technology.
They focus on sustainable agricultural practices and maintain strict quality control standards. Their product range includes different varieties and blends of olive oil, catering to a diverse consumer palate.
AWARDS
Olive Japan - Gold
2023, 2021, 2020
London IOOC - Gold
2023
Terraolivo IOOC - Grand Prestige Gold
2021
BEST Bodegas Francisco Gómez Olive Oils
Almazara La Alquería is a distinguished olive oil producer located in Muro d'Alcoi, Alicante, Spain. Known for its dedication to quality and tradition, the company specializes in crafting premium extra virgin olive oils using locally sourced olives.
Their production facility combines modern technology with artisanal techniques, ensuring exceptional flavor and purity. Visitors can explore their showroom, participate in tastings, and learn about the olive oil-making process through guided factory tours.
Almazara La Alquería reflects the rich heritage of Spanish olive oil craftsmanship.
AWARDS
EVO IOOC - Gold Medal
2020
Terraolivo IOOC - Prestige Gold
2017, 2016, 2014
Terraolivo IOOC - Gran Prestige Gold
2017
BEST Almazara La Alqueria Olive Oils
Señoríos de Relleu is an olive oil producer located in the province of Alicante, Spain. The company specializes in producing extra virgin olive oil from a blend of native Spanish olive varieties such as Manzanilla, Blanqueta, and Arbequina. Their olive groves are situated in the mountainous region of Relleu, benefiting from a unique microclimate.
Señoríos de Relleu emphasizes sustainable farming practices and often participates in various international olive oil competitions, where their products have received multiple awards.
AWARDS
Terraolivo IOOC - Gold Medal
2019
Olive Japan - Gold
2018, 2015, 2013
Terraolivo IOOC - Gran Prestige Gold
2017, 2015
BEST Señorios De Relleu Olive Oils
Best Province of Alicante Food Products
Paraje La Cabaña L'Alqueria Alfarenca Organic is a premium organic extra virgin olive oil crafted in Spain, celebrated for its superior quality and sustainability. Made from carefully selected olives grown in eco-friendly groves, it offers a harmonious balance of fruity, bitter, and spicy notes.
This oil is produced with meticulous attention to detail, combining traditional methods with modern techniques to preserve its natural essence. Perfect for enhancing gourmet dishes, it embodies the richness of Spanish organic olive oil production.
AWARDS
Terraolivo IOOC - Prestige Gold
2017, 2016, 2014
OLIVINUS - Prestigio Oro
2022
OLIVINUS - Gran Prestigio Oro
2021
Señorío de Jaime Rosell Summum is a premium extra virgin olive oil from the Beneoliva cooperative in Spain. Made from early-harvested Arbequina olives, it features a fresh, grassy aroma and a balanced flavor with medium bitterness and a lingering spiciness.
Cold-pressed to preserve its quality, this limited-edition oil is ideal for salads, grilled vegetables, and fresh bread, offering a distinctive and smooth tasting experience.
AWARDS
Terraolivo IOOC - Grand Prestige Gold
2022
Terraolivo IOOC - Best of Country
2022
Terraolivo IOOC - TOP TEN
2022
AWARDS
World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2022
Aove Tierras De Maitino Esencia Ecológico made by Almazara Maitino S. L. is an extra virgin olive oil of the highest quality. It is produced through organic farming methods, ensuring that no synthetic pesticides or chemicals are used. The oil is known for its rich, robust flavor and aromatic profile, making it an excellent choice for both culinary applications and as a finishing oil.
This product represents Almazara Maitino S. L.'s commitment to sustainable agriculture and excellence in olive oil production.
AWARDS
OLIVINUS - Gran Prestigio Oro
2022, 2021
AWARDS
Terraolivo IOOC - Prestige Gold
2022
Terraolivo IOOC - Grand Prestige Gold
2021
Paraje La Cabaña L'Alquería is a high-quality extra virgin olive oil crafted in Spain, known for its rich flavor profile and exceptional purity. Produced from carefully selected olives, it delivers a balanced taste with fruity, aromatic notes and a hint of spiciness.
Combining traditional methods with modern techniques, this olive oil represents the heritage and excellence of Spanish olive oil craftsmanship, perfect for enhancing both everyday and gourmet dishes.
AWARDS
EVOOLEUM - Top 100
2024
EVOOLEUM - BEST FROM COUNTRY
2024
Turrón de Jijona Líquido Artesano made by Coloma García S. L. U. is a gourmet liquid version of the traditional Spanish Jijona turrón, which is a type of soft nougat. This artisan product is crafted using high-quality ingredients, adhering to traditional methods that have been passed down through generations.
The liquid consistency makes it versatile, suitable for drizzling over desserts, mixing into beverages, or using as a flavorful ingredient in various recipes.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2021
Señorio De Jaime Rosell 1Er Día De Cosecha Picual is a premium extra virgin olive oil produced by Beneoliva. This exceptional olive oil is crafted from the first day of harvest, capturing the freshest and most intense flavors of the season. It is made exclusively from Picual olives, which are renowned for their robust and fruity taste profile, often featuring notes of green fruits, tomato, and a slight bitterness with a peppery finish.
The meticulous production process ensures that the oil maintains its high quality and nutritional properties, making it a superior choice for culinary enthusiasts.
AWARDS
OLIVINUS - Gran Prestigio Oro
2022
AWARDS
Terraolivo IOOC - Prestige Gold
2016
AWARDS
Terraolivo IOOC - Prestige Gold
2016
TasteAtlas food rankings are based on the ratings of the TasteAtlas audience, with a series of mechanisms that recognize real users and that ignore bot, nationalist or local patriotic ratings, and give additional value to the ratings of users that the system recognizes as knowledgeable. TasteAtlas Rankings should not be seen as the final global conclusion about food. Their purpose is to promote excellent local foods, instill pride in traditional dishes, and arouse curiosity about dishes you haven’t tried.