The Green Spain is seen, lived, felt, traveled, and, of course, tasted and chewed. Why does northern Spain have such a great gastronomic reputation? Maybe because it works with natural raw ingredients? Because it respects the product to the fullest and barely adds seasonings? Because food and drink are a true social and cultural phenomenon? We have selected four typical products from Green Spain and will reveal how to fully experience their gastronomic delights.
Tolosa Bean, in Gipuzkoa (Basque Country)
All about the Tolosa Bean
In the 16th century, Basque farmhouse agriculture underwent a major transformation with the introduction of several foods brought from a newly discovered continent called America. Some of these foods adapted perfectly to the climate, soil, and stomachs of the Basque Country: potatoes, corn, tomatoes, and, of course, beans.
Five centuries later, the bean has become one of the gastronomic icons of Tolosa, a dish as minimalist as it is exquisite: just a bit of olive oil, water, and beans slowly cooked for hours over a very low flame. Only then does the stew achieve its famous chocolatey appearance. It is then accompanied by a blood sausage (from the neighboring region of Goierri, for example) cooked separately, pickled green peppers from the nearby town of Ibarra, and boiled cabbage. Nothing more. That’s a good bean stew, or as they say in Basque, a plate of ‘babarrunak.’
What to do in Tolosa
– Stroll through an old town that, centuries ago, was an island in the middle of the Oria River and still preserves its narrow alleys and medieval layout. Seen from the other side of the river, its Church of Santa María still looks like an impregnable fortress.
– Visit Euskal Herria Square or the Tinglado building on a Saturday to experience the famous Saturday market, an unmissable event for all lovers of gastronomy and local products.
– Discover the Tolosa International Puppet Museum (TOPIC), one of the most important museums in Europe dedicated to the art of puppetry, with more than 1,500 pieces from around the world.
Anchovies from Santoña (Cantabria)
All about the Santoña Anchovy
At the end of the 19th century, Italian entrepreneur Giovanni Vela arrived in Santoña in search of fishing grounds that could provide him with anchovies for salting. He found what he was looking for in this corner of Cantabria, where sardines, albacore tuna, and sea bream were primarily processed. The anchovy, ironically, did not have the reputation it would achieve in the 21st century. Thanks to Italian salting techniques, the exquisite Cantabrian anchovy catches, and the always artisanal work of the town’s canneries, this humble species became a prized and delicious gourmet product.
A simple walk through the right corners of Santoña is enough to catch the intoxicating aroma of this salted delicacy that has made Cantabria famous. Its culinary applications are endless, as demonstrated by an unusual yet delicious pairing: Santoña anchovy atop a piece of sobao pasiego.
What to do in Santoña
– Visit one of the Santoña canning factories to learn about the history, social and cultural importance, and production process of this product, and enjoy an anchovy tasting. If visiting in the spring, be sure to check the dates for the Anchovy and Canned Goods Fair of Cantabria.
– Explore some of the most emblematic spots on Mount Buciero, such as the fortifications of San Martín and San Carlos, built into its slopes, or the Horse Lighthouse.
– Hop aboard the Puntal boat that connects Santoña with Laredo, a century-old mode of transport that saves a long detour by road and drops passengers off right on the sandy beach.
Asturian Cider in the Cider Region (Asturias)
All about Asturian Cider
If there is one drink that perfectly embodies the essence of the Principality of Asturias, it is cider. Not only is it a cultural hallmark, but it is also a unifying element throughout the entire Asturian territory. Whether on the coast or in the mountains, cider and its rituals are omnipresent, and in almost any bar, restaurant, or *chigre*, you can order a *culín* (refreshing and effervescent after being poured) of this fermented apple juice beverage.
However, there is one area in Asturias where the aroma of cider is particularly strong: the Cider Region, which comprises the municipalities of Bimenes, Cabranes, Colunga, Nava, Sariego, and Villaviciosa.
What to do in the Cider Region
– Visit the Cider Museum in Nava, which offers an interactive journey through the history, culture, and production process of cider, from apple harvesting to pouring, along with tastings and sensory experiences.
– Plan your visit around one of the festivals dedicated to cider, such as the *Preba de la Sidra* (first cider tasting) in June, the Nava Cider Festival in July, or the Villaviciosa Apple Festival, which takes place in October of odd-numbered years, like 2025.
– Walk along the coastal trail of the Partial Natural Reserve of the Villaviciosa Estuary, heading toward its mouth, passing through marshes, dunes, and forests.
The Galician Mussel in Vigo, Pontevedra (Galicia)
All about the Galician Mussel
It’s no exaggeration to say that mussels are one of the pillars of Galician cuisine. Not only because of their omnipresence and versatility (they feature in dozens of recipes), but also due to their economic, cultural, and even landscape significance. A simple glance at any Galician estuary reveals the spectacle of *bateas*—floating platforms used for mussel farming, almost as if they were crops. In a country surrounded by the sea like Spain, mussels are present in many regional cuisines, but only in Galicia (thanks to their quality, size, and traditional expertise) do they achieve the status of King of the Mollusks.
Vigo is the fishing epicenter of Spain: it boasts the country’s largest fish market, is one of Europe’s most important fishing ports, and hosts Spain’s largest deep-sea fishing fleet. Moreover, it is a key hub for seafood processing and commercialization.
What to do in Vigo
– Embark on a boat tour of the bay and estuary of Vigo, get close to the *bateas*, and discover the secrets of mussel farming. Many of these tours include a mussel tasting so visitors can enjoy both theory and practice.
– Visit the Vigo fish market, the largest in the country, and witness the intense activity firsthand.
– Continue the mollusk (and seafood) tour through the streets of O Berbés and the Old Town of Vigo, where numerous bars and restaurants serve the freshest seafood straight from the port and market.
