The Mediterranean Diet © Michelle Chaplow
The Mediterranean Diet
Andalucia is the perfect destination to experience the Mediterranean diet in its most authentic form.
Blessed with a sunny climate, fertile countryside and an extensive coastline, Andalucia offers an abundance of fresh fruits, vegetables, olive oil, fish and locally produced foods that form the foundation of this world-famous way of eating. Visitors can savour traditional dishes prepared with simple, high-quality ingredients, from refreshing gazpacho and salmorejo to freshly caught seafood, air-dried Iberian ham and tasty seasonal salads. Think natural (some seasonal) ingredients like avocadoes, tomatoes, asparagus, mushrooms, mangoes, strawberries, watermelon, cerdo iberíco, almadraba tuna, sardines, prawns, clams, almonds, olives and more.
Andalucia is also home to some of the finest extra virgin olive oils (EVOO, or AOVE in Spanish) in the world, adding exceptional flavour and health benefits to its cuisine. More than just a diet, the Mediterranean lifestyle in Andalucia is about enjoying food with family and friends, exploring vibrant local markets and embracing a relaxed pace of life. Whether dining in a white village, enjoying tapas in a historic city or eating by the sea, visitors can discover a healthy and delicious culinary tradition that is at the heart of Andalucian culture.
Jointly proposed by Spain, Greece, Italy and Morocco, the Mediterranean Diet was recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2013.
The Mediterranean Diet is classified by employing ten principles, which include using olive oil; eating plenty of fruit and vegetables (plus legumes and nuts); bread and grains; fresh, local, unprocessed foods; dairy products on a daily basis; moderate red meat, eggs and wine; plenty of fish and poultry; and drinking lots of water. Plus the social aspect of eating communally; associated traditional songs, rituals and celebrations; and farming and fishing practices.
It is claimed that the diet, rich in fibre and vitamins and low in fat, can reduce risk of various health problems, including obesity, asthma, diabetes, arthritis, cancer and heart disease, as well as boosting life expectancy.
Local products have always been at the heart of Andalucian cuisine, with fresh vegetables, fish and meat offering especially high quality. Tapas and gastronomy is a key aspect of Andalucia for residents and visitors to the region alike, as shown in the results of our 2010 readers' survey on "What is Andalucia most famous for?": 13% of respondents voted for Gastronomy/Tapas.
The full UNESCO statement:
"The Mediterranean diet constitutes a set of skills, knowledge, practices and traditions ranging from the landscape to the table, including the crops, harvesting, fishing, conservation, processing, preparation and, particularly, consumption of food. The Mediterranean diet is characterized by a nutritional model that has remained constant over time and space, consisting mainly of olive oil, cereals, fresh or dried fruit and vegetables, a moderate amount of fish, dairy and meat, and many condiments and spices, all accompanied by wine or infusions, always respecting beliefs of each community.
However, the Mediterranean diet (from the Greek diaita, or way of life) encompasses more than just food. It promotes social interaction, since communal meals are the cornerstone of social customs and festive events. It has given rise to a considerable body of knowledge, songs, maxims, tales and legends.
The system is rooted in respect for the territory and biodiversity, and ensures the conservation and development of traditional activities and crafts linked to fishing and farming in the Mediterranean communities which Soria in Spain, Koroni in Greece, Cilento in Italy and Chefchaouen in Morocco are examples. Women play a particularly vital role in the transmission of expertise, as well as knowledge of rituals, traditional gestures and celebrations, and the safeguarding of techniques."
If you're coming to Andalucia, be sure to try a wide range of the delicious dishes and wines on offer in every bar, restaurant and chiringuito (beach restaurant) - from the simplest traditional tapa in a humble establishment made using the same family recipe for decades, to innovative tasting menus in Michelin-starred restaurants. What both have in common is using the bountiful, tasty, healthy produce found throughout the region.