The Piquillo Pepper from Lodosa, the “red gold” of Navarre
Piquillo peppers are produced in the municipalities of Lodosa, Andosilla, Azagra, Cárcar, Lerín, Mendavia, San Adrián and Sartaguda, located in the south-west of the Autonomous Community of Navarre. The maximum quality of this vegetable is recognised by the European Union through the award of the Denomination of Origin and the demanding traceability requirements that this entails.
To avoid possible confusion for the consumer, the Regulatory Body has a system to identify the authentic Piquillos de Lodosa and, in this way, a back label with an exclusive numbering, the logo of the DO and the inclusion of the word 'Lodosa' are the three requirements that make it possible for buyers to have the maximum guarantees at the moment of purchase.
Why is it called 'piquillo'? The characteristic name of the product is not due, as many people mistakenly believe, to the fact that it stings, as it is a sweet pepper, but to the shape of its slightly curved, incisive beak.
How to prepare them? Their gastronomic versatility can be expressed in recipes such as beef tartare and Lodosa Piquillo peppers; Lodosa Piquillo peppers stuffed with Russian salad; Lodosa Piquillo peppers stuffed with anchovies; cod with confit Lodosa Piquillo peppers and pil pil sauce; or caramelised Lodosa Piquillo peppers, ricotta and oregano toast, among others.
What are the keys to success in their preparation? It is essential and characteristic that they are roasted over a flame and peeled, cored and the seeds are removed completely by hand, one by one and without coming into contact with water, in order to maintain one hundred percent of their characteristic flavour. The process ends with a selection, classification and packaging in tins and specific jars for the different categories.
Its name is not because it
stings, but because of its
beak sheap incised and
slightly curved it possesses
You can't lose:
Caves of Navarra
Navarra hides in its subsoil a very well kept secret: its caves. The abundance of calcareous soils has allowed water to create caves of extraordinary beauty over the centuries.
Subscribe to our Newsletter
We have the best quality tourism content and we deliver it to your inbox every fortnight.
You'll love it
Beans from Álava, savour the spoon dishes this autumn
The cold weather is coming and we feel like eating spoon dishes. We bring back one of the most traditional recipes from the south of Álava: beans. From the most modern restaurants to those that stick to the most classic dishes, they all have in common their great respect for tradition… Rioja Alavesa offers the best products to prepare delicious recipes. Here is one that will make you enjoy the flavours of autumn.
Hondalea, where water flows to the rhythm of the tides
Cristina Iglesias has created this sculpture in the lighthouse of Santa Clara Island in Donostia, her home town, where the water flows to the rhythm of the tides. It can be visited by appointment.
New tourist map of Vitoria-Gasteiz
The Vitoria-Gasteiz City Council has renewed the map given to visitors. The new edition includes the parks of the Green Belt, information on accessibility, the Senda and Camino de Santiago routes, and other urban planning updates.
Balenciaga, photography and secrets revealed
On the 50th anniversary of the designer’s death, the Cristóbal Balenciaga Museum explores a new perspective on his work, never before explored, focusing on what makes “a Balenciaga” recognisable. In addition, a temporary exhibition revives the designer’s more than 2 decades of collaboration with photographer Tom Kublin.