Granada-Atrio de iglesia de Monasterio de San Jeronimo |
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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 |
