Sanlúcar de Barrameda has been elected Spanish Capital of Gastronomy 2022. The Andalusian town will hold the title of the largest gastronomic promotion platform in the country. The award is part of the programme of commemorative actions for the 5th Centenary of the First Round the World Voyage by Magellan and Elcano.
The public support, its gastronomic treasures, its exceptional climate, the incomparable nature of Doñana, and the traditional hospitality have been unbeatable arguments for the Jury. In its analysis of the Nomination Dossier, the Jury highlighted that “Langostino and Manzanilla shine with their light in the gastronomic universe of Sanlúcar, proudly displaying their surname “de Sanlúcar”. Both are the city’s hallmark. The “Langostino de Sanlúcar” Quality Brand has been consolidated as the guarantee of a unique and identifying product. Manzanilla, for its part, has the seal of approval of the “Manzanilla de Sanlúcar” Designation of Origin, which since 1964 has carefully supervised the goodness of this unique oloroso. Sanlúcar de Barrameda is also part of the “Jerez-Sherry Wine Designation of Origin”.
The Sanlúcar prawn is caught in the shallow waters of the Gulf of Cádiz fishing grounds. The trawler fleet, made up of 55 boats, is responsible for supplying the local catering trade and the national market with this exceptional product. Its unique qualities: strong, long whiskers, faded spots, and a peacock-blue tail.
The Jury states that “the Sanlúcar treasure stands out for its unique and unmistakable flavour. It is a crustacean that is mainly consumed fresh. Its meat is highly prized. Cooked, fried, or as part of any traditional seafood stew, it is always a guaranteed choice. In 2020, the Bonanza fish market had a turnover of more than 2.9 million euros from prawn sales.
According to experts, “fine manzanillas are pale, with a bright straw-yellow colour. They have a sharp and delicate aroma. The ‘pasadas’, with an exceptionally long ageing process, are a deep golden colour. They are complex and powerful in aromas”.
It has also valued “the example of unity and commitment between the public and private sectors that the Fundación de la Manzanilla represents, committed to recovering the trades, customs and traditions surrounding the vineyards and viticulture of the Sanlúcar area as a source of knowledge of the social feeling of the citizens and their traditions.
