The true enjoyment of Mallorcan life is closely linked to the island's culinary delights. That's why gatherings with family and friends take place not only in restaurants, but also on your own terrace, patio, or in the open-air kitchen during the summer months.
This quickly turns an invitation into a very special experience.
Read on to find out which typical Mallorcan foods and ingredients should be in every kitchen, from the classic olive oil to insider tips from the market.
Aceite de oliva virgen extra – the green gold of the island!
Mallorca produces high-quality extra virgin olive oils, many of which bear the DO Oli de Mallorca quality mark. These oils are produced from varieties such as the Arbequina and the Picual. While the Arbequina olive has a rather mild flavour, the Picual variety gives the oil a slightly peppery note.
Many oil mills now offer tastings, allowing you to discover your favourite in a special setting.
Our recommendation: simply serve the Mallorcan olive oil with sea salt and fresh baguette.
It's the perfect way to start a meal, and this simple starter becomes a real treat.
Flor de Sal: the white gold of Es Trenc
This fine sea salt, harvested from the salt pans near Colònia de Sant Jordi, is particularly mild in flavour and rich in minerals. As well as the natural salt, there are now different varieties with herbs, hibiscus, lemon or orange zest, to name just a few.
Sobrasada is a typical Mallorcan paprika sausage spread.
This spicy pork sausage speciality can be used in a variety of ways. It is usually spread on traditional bread (pan moreno) or grilled and served as tapas. However, it also makes a great filling for cordon bleu and can be used to flavour sauces and stews. Sobrasada with honey is a particular speciality.
Bakers have even developed some interesting ideas. For instance, sobrasada is served on a potato coca with apricots. Try out the many different flavours and be surprised.
Ensaimada - sweet breakfast with tradition
This spiral-shaped pastry is so much more than just a pastry. It's a cultural asset!
It tastes best fresh from the bakery, with or without a filling (e.g. angel hair, custard cream, cream and chocolate, or even the aforementioned sobrasada).
Local wine and hierbas
Mallorca's wine scene is growing, particularly in regions such as Binissalem and Pla i Llevant. An increasing number of young bodegas are offering their wines and cuvées. Organic viticulture is also becoming increasingly popular. Mallorcan wines are now available in Demeter quality.
Hierbas Mallorquinas, a herbal liqueur, is a popular choice for after-dinner drinks or cosy gatherings. While most tourists order their hierbas on the rocks, it is best enjoyed at room temperature. This allows the essential oils to develop, making the flavour more intense and pure. Thanks to its subtle aniseed flavour, it is also ideal for cooking and for enhancing desserts.
Our tip: briefly flambé your prawns with hierbas to create a special flavour for your 'pasta con gambas'.
Fresh cheese and Mallorcan almonds
Local cheese, which is usually made from cow's or goat's milk, can be found at the weekly market and in regional grocery shops. Regional grocery shops offer a wide range of flavours and varieties. You can choose from herb or pepper crusts, red wine maturation, fresh or hard cheese – the choice is almost endless.
The well-known Mahón cheese comes from Menorca, but it is just as popular on the larger neighbouring island of Mallorca.
Mallorca would be unthinkable without almonds. The almond blossom alone, which bathes the island in delicate white and pink landscapes every year, attracts many visitors. While the blossom can be candied and used in desserts, the almonds themselves are processed in many different ways.
These include almond milk, almond liqueur, and natural, roasted, or salted almonds, which can be enjoyed as a snack or used in sauces. Another popular creation is the Gató d'Almendra, an almond cake made from almond flour. Curried almonds and almond-based spreads are also making this product an increasingly popular ingredient for vegetarians and vegans at home.
Tip: Create a typical Mallorcan tapas variation by combining cheese, almonds, Serrano ham, olives and figs.
Fresh produce from the market: vegetables, fruit and specialities
The weekly markets on Mallorca are a true paradise. Here, you can buy regional specialities, with the selection changing with the seasons to ensure variety and interest.
As well as courgettes, aubergines and peppers, you can find the Tomàtiga de Ramellet (Ramallet tomato), which is used for Pa amb Oli and has a texture that allows it to be grated directly onto toasted bread.
Figs, melons, artichokes and apricots are available at harvest time from the different regions of the island, always at the daily price.
Oranges from the Sóller Valley are well known and popular with lovers of the island. Visiting an orange plantation and tasting the different varieties is a special experience.
There is much more that could be listed here, as the supply of fresh produce seems endless — Mallorca is a true paradise for citrus fruits and other types of fruit in summer. Then there are the many wild herbs that you can find along the way which have their own special scent.
Cooking and enjoying Mallorcan food means using regional, seasonal produce with heart and soul.
Enjoy the flavours of Mallorca and let yourself be inspired!
