Spain is known for its paella, with a wide variety of types. For example, Valencia is known for paella with rabbit. What could be more typically Valencian? We tell you all about the traditional Valencian delicacies you must have tasted during a visit to Valencia!
Let’s start with Valencian oranges and Agua de Valencia – Valencia is the land of oranges! In Valencia, the history of oranges begins in 1781. The orange is a fruit that is born from the tree from which it takes its name, the orange tree, which is native to southern China and Southeast Asia. It spread throughout the East, thanks to the Silk Route. The Arabs, who introduced the cultivation of the orange tree in the Iberian Peninsula, called it naranjah. It is in the 18th century when the first commercial plantations of oranges for consumption are known.
The many orange trees spread a wonderful smell throughout the city when they are in flower. Many orange trees can be found, among others, in the beautiful garden of the old Turia riverbed. What do you think of these brightly colored trees? Agua de Valencia is a cocktail made of orange juice, cava, vodka, gin and sugar. The birth of Agua de Valencia took place in the 1960s at the Cervecería Madrid in Valencia, where a group of Basque travellers used to stop. Tired of always asking for the same drink, they challenged the owner of the premises to surprise them with something new, original and different. It can be served in two ways, either in a glass (a large convex glass) or in a pitcher. Especially the latter is a practical and fun option if you come in a group!
Then we continue with the Paella, the most famous dish in Spain, whose background is Valencian. Many people think that the main ingredient of paella is fish, but the traditional paella of Valencia contains chicken and rabbit. The main ingredient of the paella is rice, which is grown in the rice fields of the nearby Albufera Natural Park. The ingredients of the paella are different depending on the area of the region and even the country. The estimated time to have it ready is one hour and a half, respecting the times of preparation, cooking and resting.
The horchata is a typical Valencian drink. It is a milky substance made of almonds from the earth (or tiger nuts), water and sugar. The drink is mainly sold in many places in spring, summer and autumn. There are many horchaterias in Valencia, where you can order coffee or ice cream as well as horchata. The typical garnish for this drink is the fartons, a kind of elongated bun with a layer of powdered sugar, it is also possible to find them with cream and chocolate. Delicious, made to be dipped in your horchata!
Before leaving Valencia, you should try the pumpkin fritters, the iconic product of Fallas. They are cooked with a flour dough that is fried, mixed with water, milk, egg or yeast. Usually the churros are eaten mainly with sugar and hot chocolate. In addition, there are other variations of this type of sweet, the churros, which are typical appetizers in the rest of the country, sold in most churrerías.
You’re hungry, aren’t you? Don’t wait any longer, visit us!
