From the pasture to the starry sky: a culinary tour of Los Pedroches
One of the best ways to know a region is through its cuisine, which enables visitors to experience and taste age-old craftsmanship and traditions.
One of the best ways to know a region is through its cuisine, which enables visitors to experience and taste age-old craftsmanship and traditions.
In the northern part of Córdoba Province, the group of towns known collectively as Los Pedroches is an idyllic destination guaranteed to provide unforgettable experiences. By means of the Los Pedroches Sustainable Tourism Plan, a project financed by the European Union, this region has created projects focused on healthy well-being, sporting activities and gastronomic tourism.
GASTRONOMIC TOURISM IN PEDROCHES
Sheepherding and grain agriculture are the economic engine of Los Pedroches. Although many of its villages may suffer dwindling population growth, the region remains faithful to its territorial origins and heritage.
The Cordoban region of Los Pedroches invites visitors to appreciate the essence of the terrain by experiencing the tastes of its cheeses, olive oil and confectionary delights. As well, the natural setting of this region offers opportunities for the entire family, ranging from hands-on activities for children to outdoor dining and stargazing.
THE CHEESE EXPERIENCE FROM THE PASTURE TO THE DINNER TABLE
Cheese enthusiasts can discover this product from its origins in the sheepherding pastures to its handcrafted elaboration by visiting its farms, cheese factories and even the Pastoral Museum. This all-inclusive experience into the roots of Los Pedroches’ gastronomy and rural culture can even be topped off with a guided tasting of its cheeses.
A DAY OUT AMONG SHEEP AND CHEESES
Day-long gastronomic and cultural activities geared towards families and scholastic groups teach about the food products’ origins in a participatory manner. Visitors are able to see first-hand the sheep herd, delve into the cheese-making craftsmanship and end the day by tasting the local cheeses in the great outdoors.
OLIVE OIL FROM THE TREE TO THE TABLE
The olive tree groves of the Sierra Morena are the essence of Extra Virgin Olive Oil. The agricultural traditions and the production processes of Los Pedroches can be appreciated by walking among its olive groves and capped off with an insightful tasting presented by local experts.
A FLAVOURFUL HERITAGE OF CONFECTIONARIES
In addition to cheesemaking and olive oil, the region is also renowned for its traditional confectionary. A visit to the Sisters of the Saint Clare of the Column Convent in Belalcázar is a chance to discover the rich confectionary traditions of Los Pedroches.
EVENINGS ON THE MEADOW
Los Pedroches awakens at sunset for an extraordinary experience of astronomy and cuisine for nature lovers with guided astronomical observation, al fresco dining and the quiet contemplation of a star-filled night sky.
Gastronomy is an essential element of any region and every food product of Los Pedroches relates the story of the land, ancient farming methods and the elaboration processes still employed today. The cheeses, olive oil and confectionaries of Los Pedroches are the perfect way to discover not only the tastes of this region, but also the historical legacy of its people.
You can also read this article in Spanish!