You may well have thought that the concept of Denominacion de Origen only applies to wine but you will be well and truly wrong! The increased awareness of the importance of good quality natural foods, combined with the growing need to preserve our regional specialist agricultural and production skills, is ensuring that the DOC or DOP (Denominacion de Origen Protegido) logos are becoming more and more frequent.
The DOP logo on a product guarantees that the quality and characteristics of a product are due to the natural and human factors of the area where it is produced and that its production and manufacture always carried out in the geographical area which bears its name.
In other words you can’t pass of a product from another area as being a DOP! This has really helped to maintain traditional skills and products –something good for the consumer as well as the producer. With the current awareness of “food miles” and “slow food” we all have to do our bit!
There is also a slightly less important classification, that of “Indicacion de Geografia Protegida”. This means that at least one stage of the production, transformation or elaboration of a product is carried out in the area. It also has to be a renowned and quality product
The obvious first place to start is with the wonderful jamon Serrano and associated products. There are many areas which boast the DOP for ham; Jamon de Huelva is one of the most famous but in Andalucia there several more areas which carry the DOP logo. Watch out for Jamon de Guijuelo. Trevelez and Pedroches. Not all DOP products are as expensive as one would think, as proved by the Guijuelo products which are reasonably priced.
Olive oil is a beloved product and one which we should all have in our diets. Watch out for virgin oil from Estepa, Antequrea, Baena, Montes de Granada, Poniente de Granada, Prego de Cordoba and the Sierra de Cazorla. These all carry the etiquette and are all Andaluz products as well!
Wines and spirits from all over Andalucia carry the DOP mark. Think of brandy from Jerez and wines from Cadiz, Granada, the Alpujarras, the “desierto de Almeria and Montilla-Moriles. On a similar homage to the grape, the vinegars of Jerez and the Condado de Huelva are also listed (these are the Spanish equivalent of the wonderful Italian Balsamic vinegar). Pasas (raisins) from Malaga also have the DOP mark.
Lots of other foods are included in the list including “caballo de Andalucia” and “melva de Andalucia” both excellent fish products. The “Alfafor de Medinia Sidonia” has a DOP listing for their bread, cake and confectionary products. These are delicious Arab based products and really shouldn’t be missed. Vegetables from some area are listed including asparagus from Huetor Tájar´
More and more areas are trying to get their local products listed e.g. Jimena, in Cadiz Province is hoping to have its local mountain mushrooms recognised soon. Traditional skills are being recovered as villages and towns strive to meet the stringent requirements and employment opportunities are springing up to meet demand. DOP is a good thing all round!
