Barcelona is a city which I visited in Spain and the moment I arrived food took my heart away. There are fresh food markets where locals shop to enormous gourmet supermarkets, Deli’s and Butchers to name but a few. Whether you are an experienced food lover or just starting to burgeon out in food market, Barcelona is great for gastronomic discovery. In this article you will learn what kind of local products you should taste in Barcelona and where you can buy them?

1. Jamón Ibérico

Moving from one of Spain’s most famous products, Jamón Ibérico is basic if one is a passionate food lover. This top quality cured ham is supplied by black Iberian pigs that are reared in the south west of Spain. Being tender to the taste and diverse in the taste, Jamón Ibérico is one of the called delicatessens which reflects the country’s attitude towards food brut.

Jamón Ibérico is available in whole legs or sliced packs of different weights: light, medium orBachelor of Arts in Linguistics & Writing 17th June 2012 Different Weight Types of Sausages – Light, Medium and Heavy thick. To get closer to the real LV life purchase a few items at Mercado de La Boqueria – a famous market in Barcelona. That is why, the supervised stores, where you can try the types of dairy products of different sorts, which are of great interest to you, are the best option. Finally, do not forget to request for professional opinion on how to store the food and cut it properly!

2. Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Spain boasts quality olive oil and there are various olive oil brands in Barcelona. EVOO is the highest grade of olive oil which has been obtained by mechanical processes with no use of chemical or through industrial processing. That is why it is prominent in Mediterranean diet with its rather rich taste and numerous positive effects on health.

So, one of the best options of where to buy EVOO is Olivarama, a sort of boutique store in Barcelona. Here there are different types of olive oils which is different in terms of taste. I can recommend Olivarama for those who would like knowledgeable staff help them find a bottle of oil they would want to taste, as well as enjoy their product.

3. Artisanal Cheeses

Tasting local cheeses should be an essential part of any food enthusiast when visiting Barcelona. The autonomous community of Catalonia where Barcelona is situated has a long tradition of cheese making and offers a great number of quality handmade cheeses.

If you are cheese lover, then a trip to Ametller Origen should be on your list. This gourmet grocery store specializes on local Catalan cheeses, as well as, mild and sharp options are available. Friendly and well informed staff will offer suggestions according to patrons’ preferences and may explain the process of cheese creating.

4. Traditional Sweets

And of course nobody can do a culinary tour without including some of the local pastries. This city especially offers attractive cakes and sweets that can be both Catalan or have a new creative approach.

Go to Pastisseria Ideal which is one of the most famous and oldest shops specialized in pastries founded in 1911 where you can find lots of traditional cakes. Going through the crispy Xuxo, a traditional dessert, to the creamy Crema Catalana, you’ll definitely have something sweet to take.

5. Vermouth

Barcelona is famous for its vermouth, and therefore, should be tasted when visiting the city. Vermouth is a drink seldom missing from Spanish bar shelves: This fortified and aromatized wine can be consumed as an aperitif.

To purchase vermouth you can go to Celler d’Arenys de Munt with an original Yzaguirre brand of vermouth originated in 1884 in Spain. The store also undertakes vermouth sampling in order to enable a customer to taste the various types of vermouth in the market.

Conclusion

Catalonia, and most of all its capital – Barcelona – It is also a true gourmet’s heaven with endless types of food to try. Just as some can relish the Iberian ham, great olive oil, and cheeses, the city is a paradise of good foods. Do not come out of this tour without sampling local pastries and enjoying a glass of vermouth or any local liquor.

In choosing innovativeness while in Barcelona local markets, specialized stores and reputable gourmet stores should not be overlooked when it comes to the foods to taste. Consult with specialists, learn their advices and enjoy genuine Catalan taste. I am quite sure that your experience of tasting real food in this beautiful city of Barcelona will not be remarkable.