In Catalonia, autumn is dressed in flavor with the arrival of the Castañada, a festival deeply rooted in local culture that is celebrated on October 31, coinciding with All Hallows' Eve. On this occasion, roasted chestnuts take center stage, together with sweet potatoes and the traditional panellets, which are enjoyed accompanied by a sweet Moscatell, the region's characteristic wine.
The chestnut, more than a mere seasonal fruit, is valued for its nutritional value. Low in fat and rich in complex carbohydrates, fiber, B vitamins, potassium and magnesium, it promotes a healthy diet while also providing an ideal energy source to combat the autumn chill. Its lack of gluten also makes it an excellent option for celiacs, and its fiber content improves digestive health.
The historic celebration of the Castañada has evolved from its solemn origins, dedicated to honoring the dead, toward a family and joyful festival, though not free from the contemporary influence of Halloween. On October 31, the streets of Catalan towns and cities fill with the unmistakable aroma of roasted chestnuts. The chestnut sellers mark both the start of autumn and a warm refuge on cold days, serving paper cones filled with freshly roasted chestnuts.
Alongside chestnuts, panellets are an indispensable dessert. These are made mainly with almonds, sugar, and pine nuts, and they are presented in a variety of flavors, such as coconut, almond, and chocolate, thereby expanding the repertoire of Catalonia's autumn sweets.
The Catalan autumn not only brings chestnuts and panellets, but offers other seasonal products that enrich the region's culinary tradition. Teca Sàbat, an establishment renowned for its commitment to traditional gastronomy, is an example of how this native wealth can be harnessed. Creations such as pumpkin cream soup or sautéed rovellons from La Cerdanya are proof of it. Not to forget the porcini risotto, a dish that has gained popularity among its diners.
To complete the offering, Teca Sàbat not only focuses on the dishes, but also on gourmet products such as Moscatell Espelt del Empordà, an artisanal limoncello, and the unusual Terroso La Vita chocolate. Additionally, its Viva La Vita red wine is promoted as the ideal accompaniment for autumn flavors, making for a perfect pairing.
With these traditions and culinary delights, autumn in Catalonia is not just a season, but a celebration of the region's gastronomic and cultural richness, a legacy that is passed down with each generation, ensuring that in every corner the Catalan autumnal essence is breathed in and savored.
