Asturias is a land overlooking the sea; its towering Cantabrian Range protecting green, fertile meadows. The valleys, forests and spectacular landscapes are at the heart of the region’s myths, beliefs and traditions, and each hamlet has its own stories and customs. You’ll find unique local products around each corner, just waiting to be enjoyed.
Asturias offers much more than scrumptious delicacies. Local artisans design and create handcrafted goods, using ancestral methods and techniques. There is so much to choose from, it’ll be difficult to choose just one souvenir. Overwhelmed by the breadth of choice Asturias affords? Or not quite sure what would make a good souvenir? Read below for some pointers on what to shop for while in Asturias.
For the gourmets
Fabes
These melt-in-your-mouth, locally-grown white runner beans are a key ingredient in the region’s hearty signature dish, Fabada. These are not just any old beans – a protected designation of origin, they are of the highest quality and an ideal gift for gourmets on the lookout for first-class products.
Cheese
Cheese lovers will relish at the selection of artisanal cheeses the region offers – 42 to be exact. How do you like your cheese? Strong? Spicy? Smoked? Fresh? Creamy? Marbled? There is a cheese made for you! Not sure where to start? Afuega’l Pitu, Cabrales, Casín and Gamonéu are four designation of origin cheeses that won’t disappoint!
Chosco de Tineo
This savoury Asturian sausage is made from select cuts of pork meat marinated in salt, paprika and garlic, before being smoked and cured. The full-rounded flavour will vary depending on how long it was smoked and the type of wood used.
Pastel de cabracho
Pick up a can of this exquisite fish mousse made from red scorpionfish, whipped together with eggs and cream. Created in 1971, by the Michelin-starred chef Juan Mari Arzak, it is sure to impress the most discerning palates.
Asturian chorizo
A staple for any cook looking to prepare traditional Asturian cuisine from the comfort of their home: fabada, pote, chorizo a la sidra and bollos preñaos. Cured for 7 days and then dried for one week, nobody will say no to a bite.
For the bibulous
Cider
A symbol of Asturian identity, this world-renowned alcoholic beverage can be enjoyed as an aperitif, imbibed with meals or used to prepare monkfish or chorizo a la sidra. Culines (shots) are poured mid-air to allow the aeration process to release the flavours. It is a test of precision, even for the sharpest marksperson.
Cangas wine
Asturias is not just about cider. Asturian viticulture dates back to the medieval ages and has gained international recognition thanks to the efforts of wineries located in the parishes of Cangas de Narcea, Allande, Grandas de Salime, Illano, Pesoz, Ibias and Tineo. If you can’t make it to the grape-harvest festival in October, you can pick up a bottle (or case) at any one of the wineries all year around. A Cangas DO wine is a unique addition to anyone’s wine cellar.
Asturian orujos
Typically served after a hearty Asturian meal alongside a coffee or alone, it’s the best way to end a meal. Asturian digestifs are a type of pomace brandy, made from distilled marc, and are potent spirits. Choose between herb, honey, sweet cider and cream orujo.
For those with a sweet tooth
Casadielles
These sweet rolls are made of a wheat-flour pastry, filled with chopped walnuts, sugar and anise, and dusted with powdered sugar. Cosadielles is an Asturian expression used at the end of riddles to ask ‘What am I?’ since people need to guess what’s inside.
Carbayones de Oviedo
These mouth-watering, sugar-glazed puff pastries are filled with a yummy almond and egg yolk mixture. If you are in Oviedo, swing by the gorgeous Confitería Camilo de Blas for a box – it’s the pastry shop that created these delights back in 1924 in honour of the city and its people.
Moscovitas de Rialto
Confitería Rialto is another lovely pastry shop in Oviedo. Famous for Moscovitas, paper-thin heavenly bites of chocolate and almonds that were all the rage among socialites when they first came out in 1926. Why not add an Asturian twist to your next tea party?
Marañuelas de Candás
An Easter Sunday breakfast tradition, these spiral-shaped (or braided) biscuits are made with flour, sugar, eggs, butter and lemon zest. Custom has it that the youngest of the family must serve themselves the crispest four pieces of the plate. However, no need to wait for Easter or go to Candás to enjoy a marañuela – they’re available throughout the region all year round.
Handcrafted souvenirs
Taramundi knives
A large community of artisans started setting up their workshops in the 18th century in the quaint village of Taramundi, drawn to the abundant iron and water deposits. Though many of these workshops are long gone, the traditional metalworking methods and materials used to make handmade knives and blades are still employed by blade smiths in Taramundi. Best to check your luggage in if you’re flying!
Jet amulets
Jet is a common gemstone in Asturias and people used to believe it had magical properties. Worn as a pendant, jet is carved into a figa (a closed fist, with the thumb going through the index and middle fingers) and is believed to ward off the ‘evil eye’ and bring protection to the wearer.
Black pottery from Llamas del Mouro
The village of Llamas del Mouro is known for its jet black and metallic grey pottery. These unique features are obtained during the carbonation process. Before being placed in the kiln, pieces are wrapped in grass-based slips to prevent oxygen from reaching the surface. Available in all shapes and sizes, these handcrafted beauties will look perfect in any corner of the house.
Madreñas
These traditional wooden clogs are made from a single piece of wood. Two blocks are added to the front part of the sole and one to the back to lift the shoe off the ground, ideal for rainy climates and muddy paths. Traditionally, people could buy madreñas at markets or offer the cobbler room and board in exchange for madreñas for the entire family.
As you can see, Asturias offers a wide range of products that can be enjoyed during your stay or once back home. Just be sure to have enough luggage space!
