Mushrooms and Chestnuts. Traditional seasonal cuisine.
Every year, with the first autumn rains, Catalonia undergoes a cultural and culinary transformation focusing on a food that is an intrinsic part of its identity: mushrooms.
Mushrooms are the fruiting bodies growing from fungi and one of the most iconic and highly prized ingredients used in Catalan cuisine. This isn’t just due to the unique flavour they have when seasoned with salt and pepper and chargrilled, or served as an accompaniment to rice and meat dishes, but also because they’re a really health food. It should come as no surprise that the deeply rooted mushroom tradition is experiencing ever-greater popularity. The growing numbers of amateur mushroom hunters who go the woods and forests, and the restaurants with special menus dedicated to this unique delicacy, provide ample proof of this. If you’re thinking of exploring the world of mushrooms for yourself, there’s no better place to start than the counties Osona and Berguedà , in the province of Barcelona. You’ll be able to enjoy breathtaking natural scenery and, if you’re lucky, find a plethora of local varieties including ceps, milk caps, St George’s mushrooms, grey knights, Caesar’s mushrooms, pink mottle wood wax, horns of plenty, Rogers mushrooms and waxcaps.
We have companies specialising in adventure activities, what organise guided mushroom hunts where you’ll find out everything you need to know about this wild food par excellence. You must make sure you pick them with the greatest care if you want them to grow back over the coming years. Other options to consider to find all varieties of mushrooms, are the traditional markets in the towns and cities of Catalonia although the best way to taste them is as part of a dish prepared by our local chefs. The most traditional restaurants and top eateries specialising in creative and signature cuisine do their utmost to ensure all the aromatic and physical qualities of mushrooms are brought out to the full in their culinary creations.
The chestnut is one of the quintessential autumn products, and despite having a very ancient culture, it wasn’t until the 18th century that it became popular in Catalonia. With a very localized distribution, the chestnut was primarily introduced in the northeastern part of Catalonia, especially in the regions of Guilleries-Montseny, Corredor-Montnegre, Empordà i Garrotxa, and Conca de Barberà, particularly in the vicinity of the Serra de Prades, where the climatic and soil conditions were more favorable. The chestnut was introduced by the Romans, originating from the Caucasus and the Eastern Mediterranean. It has since become deeply rooted in the region.
Chestnuts are a high-energy fruit, rich in vitamins, and low in fat. While their culinary use was originally limited to eating them lightly roasted around the time of November 1st (All Saints’ Day), they have since become a regular addition to various dishes in Catalan cuisine during the autumn. In regions like Garrotxa, they are considered a unique product that is part of the local gastronomy. Their uses have expanded and can vary greatly, as they are cooked to accompany meats, soups, purees, or desserts.
Another safer alternative is the traditional markets in the towns and cities of Catalonia, where you can find fresh mushrooms of all varieties without getting your shoes dirty. Although the best option is always to taste them from the hands of our local chefs. It won’t be difficult to find a single restaurant that doesn’t take the opportunity to cook with the star ingredient of the season. Both the most traditional venues and the leaders of creative and signature cuisine are committed during these months to enhancing the aromatic and physical features of mushrooms in their culinary creations.
The chestnut is one of the autumn products par excellence and, despite having a very ancient culture, it was not until the 18th century that it became popular in Catalonia.
With a very localized distribution, the chestnut was primarily introduced in the northeastern part of Catalonia, especially in the regions of Guilleries-Montseny, Corredor-Montnegre, Empordà i Garrotxa, and Conca de Barberà, particularly in the vicinity of the Serra de Prades, where the climatic and soil conditions were more favorable. The chestnut was introduced by the Romans, originating from the Caucasus and the Eastern Mediterranean. It has since become deeply rooted in the region.
Chestnuts are a high-energy fruit, rich in vitamins, and low in fat. While their culinary use was originally limited to eating them lightly roasted around the time of November 1st (All Saints’ Day), they have since become a regular addition to various dishes in Catalan cuisine during the autumn. In regions like Garrotxa, they are considered a unique product that is part of the local gastronomy. Their uses have expanded and can vary greatly, as they are cooked to accompany meats, soups, purees, or desserts.
Tourism proposals for the autumn season:
1. Montseny
The Montseny Nature Park already shows all its attraction during the year, but it is in autumn when the variety of its flora turns it into a sublime visual show.
2. Sierra del Catllaràs/Catllaràs mountain range
On foot or by mountain bike, the thick forests of the Catllaràs mountain range, in the north of the Berguedà, region, are particularly beautiful between September and December.
3. La Fageda d’En Jordà
One of the most spectacular places in Catalonia at this time of year. The Fageda d’En Jordà, presents the most spectacular image, with the chromatic variations of the vegetation, which ranges from green, ochre, reddish, golden and chestnut tones.
4. Bosque de Virós/Virós Forest
In the Alt Pirineu Natural Park we recommend a visit to the Virós Forest, considered to be one of the most valuable in Catalonia. The brightest yellows and reds of the deciduous trees can be contrasted with the more or less dark greens of the pines and firs.
5. Parque Natural de Els Ports / The Ports Natural Park
Of the beech forests in Catalonia’s tourist destination, the Retaule in the Ports Natural Park, is the most hidden and mysterious. The presence of beech trees in this part of the territory is so exceptional that it has been protected with the creation of the Partial Nature Reserve of Els Ports’ Beech Woods.
6. Natural Parks of Catalonia.
In a wider proposal so that visitors can enjoy nature in the middle of autumn. The tourist destination of Catalonia has a wide range of tourist routes in its different Natural Parks where you can enjoy activities in groups or with the family, where the proposals for routes for hiking, Nordic walking or cycling stand out.
To fully enjoy the gastronomy and tourism in Catalonia, EBusiness cars offers a fleet of high-end vehicles and coaches with the most comfortable design.
From private vehicles and chauffeur-driven minivans to minibuses and coaches with a very exclusive interior design tailored to the most demanding needs of each of our clients.
We are a passenger transport company with our own fleet of state-of-the-art luxury vehicles, specialized in managing and coordinating mobility needs that may arise.
Travel in a truly exclusive way and immerse yourself in the rich gastronomy, culture, fascinating history, and unparalleled beauty that Catalonia offers in autumn. Visit the most iconic places by taking excursions to charming wineries, restaurants where you can taste the local cuisine, and discover the most beautiful tourist spots in the region.
