Granada-Atrio de iglesia de Monasterio de San Jeronimo
Shopping for convent sweets in Granada
An interesting place to buy handmade sweets and pastries is from nuns at the convents of Granada.
The "Torno" is a centuries-old method of purchase, where the buyer and the cloistered nun never see each other. The money is placed on a revolving wooden shelf, and the sweets return on the other side. The conversation is often limited to the order and payment.
The Greeting: Traditionally, the buyer would greet the nun with "Ave María Purísima," and the nun would reply, "Sin Pecado Concebida" (Conceived Without Sin). This ritual adds a beautiful historical touch.
Unique Ingredients: Many of these recipes are centuries old and heavily feature almonds, honey, eggs, cinnamon, and sometimes pumpkin (cidra), reflecting both the convent's resourceful, simple life and the region's Moorish (Al-Andalus) culinary past.
Special Occasions: While available all year, sales peak dramatically during Christmas (for treats like mantecados and polvorones) and Holy Week (Semana Santa) (for specialties like torrijas and pestiños).
Convents in Granada city
| Convent Name (in Spanish) | Order | Famous Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Comendadoras de Santiago | Order of Santiago | Candied and syruped fruits (frutas en almibar), jams |
| Monasterio de San Jerónimo | Jerónimos | Puff pastries (hojaldres), mostachones (soft biscuits), tocinillos |
| Convento de San Antón | Monjas Clarisas | Huevos moles, mantecados |
| Convento de Santa Catalina de Zafra | Monjas Clarisas | Glorias (or bizcochadas), chocolate truffles, huesos de santo |
| Monasterio de Santa Isabel La Real | Monjas Clarisas | Hojarascas, marzipan, castañas de Santa Isabel |
