T For Travel

Sitting in the Mediterranean Sea between the coasts of North Africa and Spain are the Balearic Islands of Formentera, Ibiza, Menorca, and Mallorca.  Although similar, the histories of the islands are as varied as is the individual personalities that have developed over the years.  The maritime traditions throughout the islands and the farming history have resulted in some of the most delicious dishes and cuisine in all of Spain.  From the olive and almond tree orchards, to the cheeses, and the meat dishes created with the various species of foul and livestock such as the Balearic hog.  The chefs and the locals on the islands take advantages of all the resources on the islands, and those found in the sea.  These locations and all that is offered from the natural world has been influenced through the years by the many settlers coming from other parts of the world, such as France, Great Britain, Rome, Greece and Arabia.  All the cultures have left their individual marks on the now famous cuisine prepared on all the islands.

The most famous item that was first created in the Balearics, was not of Spanish chefs but of the French.  A general of one of the French armies was not fond of the local fare and ordered that a sauce be made for him using just eggs and oil.  What was created was first called Mahon Sauce but is now known throughout the world as mayonnaise, a condiment found not only in the restaurants of the Ibiza resorts and the luxury Mallorca hotels, but throughout the many restaurants in all countries.  The almond and the blossoms of the almond trees are a staple ingredient in the cooking of the traditional recipes on the islands.  The blossoms are dried and are used to spice various appetizers, and dishes.  The shrimp caught in Mallorca and the lobsters found of the coast of Menorca are two of the seafood items that separate the islands and are coveted throughout the Mediterranean.  All of the seafood prepared on the islands is notable, and is one of the best locations in the world for Paella, chili made with lobster and all variety of sausages and spiced and herbed meat dishes.  This is just one of the aspects that have led to the popularity of the islands.