Madrid Eating Guide

MARKETS Every neighbourhood inMadrid has its own market where you can buy fresh foods like fruit, vegetables, meat and fish. Accord- ing to most chefs, the fresh ingredients found in the capital are the best in Spain. In a lot of the farmers’ markets there are also bars where you can enjoy a mid-morning snack (almuerzo) or an aperitif (aperitivo).

MUNICIPAL MARKETS

Over the last few years these indoor markets have become a

popular stomping ground for both the locals and gourmets. Particularly worthy of mention, due to their outstanding products and vast culinary offer-

Jamón Ibérico Cured Iberian ham is a typically Spanish food, and it is one of the delicacies most longed for by Madrid natives who find themselves outside Spain. The difference between jamón ibérico and jamón serrano is that the meat of the former comes from free-range Iberian pigs raised in the meadows of Extremadura and Andalusia, on a diet consisting essentially of acorns.

ings, are San Antón (Augusto Figueroa, 24), Antón Martín (Santa Isabel, 5) and La Paz (Ayala, 28).

Spain boasts 26 cheeses with a Protected Desig- nation of Origin

Embutidos Embutidos are sausage and cold meats including chorizo , longan- iza , salchichón and a whole host of pork products. They are a fine example of the very best of Spa- nish gastronomy.

Quesos Each region of Spain has its own queso , or cheese. Two examples: manchego , made with sheep’s milk, and the Torta del Casar from Extremadura, which is spread over slices of bread.

Aceite de Oliva Spain is the world’s top producer of olive oil, the basic ingredient in the Mediterranean diet, which has been recognised by UNESCO as forming part of the world’s Intan- gible Cultural Heritage.

10

11