03/09/2016

The best paella’ restaurant of Barcelona, Cullera de Boix, has an eye to the south of Catalonia: now rice reaches its climax after the rice-growing territories celebrated the traditional planting of this cereal in June.

This September festivals and events related to this historical activity, rice harvesting, which is so ingrained in the culture of some territories, are repeatedly held, as is the case of the Ebro territories in Catalonia. In June, thanks to the demonstration of former planting techniques, the inhabitants of several municipalities could get to know part of the process to obtain this widely consumed food.

Rice is one of the plants that requires more special conditions to grow, because it needs a temperate climate and soils of fine to medium texture. After spending a whole summer in the soil, in September it is time to mow the fields and collect the planting results. Harvesting is an activity that is now done mechanically and rewards all those who have worked the land; thus, they also take the opportunity to organise activities and festivals based on it.

The king of any kitchen

At this time of the year, the Ebro Delta gastronomy is in full swing thanks to rice. To celebrate the harvest of this cereal, municipalities like L’Aldea, L’Ampolla, Amposta, Deltebre and Sant Jaume, among others, offer their inhabitants various activities so that nobody is left out of the great feast of rice, which also intends to show to the public the harvesting process, both in a traditional and manual way.

Although the rice harvest takes place once the summer season is over, this time of the year is crucial for tourism in the area. Parallel to the festival of each municipality, gastronomic events, tastings, workshops and activities for all audiences are organised, which aim to provide knowledge on rice growing and the cuisine based on it.

Like the Ebro region, the Empordà is also an important rice-growing area. Specifically, it is in the town of Pals where the best rice in the northern half of Spain is said to be found. In this municipality of the Baix Empordà, the Traditional Rice Harvesting Festival is held in October, which is also accompanied by culinary and festive suggestions for everyone.

Make a reservation here to eat the best paella in Barcelona, to Cullera de Boix’ restaurant.