It is a real gastronomic festival, promoted by the Generalitat through PRODECA, which seeks to bridge the gap between the countryside and the city. And the best part: access is totally free. The plan is simple: discover, taste and buy the best extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) of the season directly from the hand of those who produce it.
A journey through the 5 Catalan PDOs without leaving the square.
The display is impressive. The market will bring together about 50 producers from 21 Catalan regions. This means that you can take a sensory journey through the whole territory without leaving the center.
It is the first urban market to be held in the heart of Barcelona to highlight the value of green oil, the oil that comes from the first pressing of the olives, and the best quality.
The five Protected Designations of Origin (PDO) of Catalan oil will be represented: Les Garrigues, Siurana, Terra Alta, Baix Ebre-Montsià and Empordà. It will be the perfect opportunity to taste and differentiate the native varieties: from the very fine arbequina of Les Garrigues, through the farga of Terres de l’Ebre, the argudell touched by the tramontana of Empordà or the grossal of Pallars.
Live cooking with star chefs
But the New Oil Market is not just a place to buy. It is an event to learn and salivate. A dozen live cooking sessions (showcookings) have been scheduled with some of the most powerful names in our gastronomy, which will demonstrate the versatility of EVOO.
On stage will be chefs of the stature of Ada Parellada (Semproniana), who will talk about the confit technique; Iolanda Bustos, the “chef of flowers”; Carlota Claver (La Gormanda); Susanna Aragón; and Iñaki Aldrey (Atempo* restaurant).
One of the most anticipated highlights will undoubtedly be the double session of master pastry chef Oriol Balaguer. The renowned chocolatier will explore the importance of oil in the cocas de recapte and, of course, will offer a session on the perfect pairing: new oil with chocolate.
Beyond oil: wines and local gastronomy
A great foodie plan is not complete without a good gastronomic offer to sit down and enjoy. In addition to the producers’ stands, the market will have a Gastronomic Tent where you can recharge your batteries with seasonal and local cuisine.
The offer will be provided by teams such as the restaurant Villa Retiro (Xerta Group)*, La Cala Navega (Palamós), the Gremi de Bacallaners de Catalunya or Oriol Balaguer himself. For pairing, of course, a Wine Bar with a careful selection of Catalan wines.
For those who really want to delve deeper, the Tasting Room will offer talks guided by experts. Highlights include a session by Àngels Calvo, head of the Official Tasting Panel of Oils of Catalonia, or a practical workshop to learn how to value the perfect “marriage” of bread and oil, which will be led by master baker Xavier Pàmies (Forn de Pa Sistaré) and the DOP Siurana.
An essential event that arrives next week to consolidate Barcelona as the gastronomic capital that it is, putting in value one of the undisputed treasures of the Mediterranean diet.