Description
The Alfajor de Medina Sidonia PGI is a pastry made with pure honey, almonds, hazelnuts, flour, breadcrumbs and a variety of spices.
Production Area
Alfajor de Medina Sidonia PGI pastries are produced in the municipality of Medina Sidonia which is in the centre of the province of Cadiz, in the Autonomous Community of Andalusia.
Production Method
First, the honey is warmed until it is completely melted. At the same time, the hazelnuts and almonds are toasted and crushed and then added to the honey. This mixture is thoroughly stirred and then the breadcrumbs are added followed by the flour and the following spices: toasted sesame seeds, coriander, cloves and aniseed. The mixture is thoroughly stirred again and spread out on a board, where it is cut while it is still hot. When it is cold, each piece is kneaded into its typical tapered cylindrical shape. Each piece is then dipped in syrup for a few minutes, placed on a board and dusted with sugar and cinnamon. Each pastry is wrapped in fine paper.
Appearance and Flavour
Alfajor de Medina Sidonia PGI are cigar shaped pastries. They are covered in white sugar and the centres have a toasted colour. They have a spicy aroma of dried fruit and honey flavour.
History
Alfajor de Medina Sidonia PGI pastries are one of the most famous in the Andalusian region and have been made there since the 15th century. Alfajor were and still are called alajù denoting their unarguably Arab origins. This name is derived from al-hasù which in Arabic means filled. They were then called alajù or alhajù and, more recently, alfajor. The local economy of the Medina municipality is principally dependent on the production of these pastries.
Gastronomy
Alfajor de Medina Sidonia PGI pastries should be stored in a dry place in their paper wrapping. The paper should only be removed just before eating. As they have a very spicy flavour they are usually eaten alone so that each spice and ingredient may be enjoyed to the full.
Marketing
The pastries are marketed as Alfajor of Medina Sidonia PGI. Each pastry is individually wrapped to maintain its typical cylindrical shape and can be bought loose or in tins of various sizes.
Distinctive Features
The Alfajor de Medina Sidonia PGI is made from an ancient Arabic recipe which has been handed down through the generations.
