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La Gomera has a great gastronomic tradition. Its excellent marine products, the fruits of its sunny slopes and its own particular character are the ingredients of the island´s simple but tasty dishes. Traditional fare waiting to be discovered in the local restaurants in every small town around the island. Like the watercress soup: served in mortars of juniper or myrtle wood: a unique culinary curiosity. Or the cheese: its origin in 3 species of goat dating from pre-hispanic times. Still made by hand, some consider it to be the best fresh goat's cheese in the world.

From the mature cheese the inhabitants of La Gomera created 'almogrote': a cheese paste made with oil, garlic, chilli pepper, salt and sometimes tomato. The result is a delicious, spicy paste to spread on bread or potatoes. The potatoes, known as 'negras' or 'bonitas' (black or pretty) were brought directly from America centuries ago. Today, cultivated in the traditional way, they are delicacies for even the most discerning palate. The locals typically accompany these potatoes with 'vieja' (similar to parrot fish), which lives in the coastal waters around the island. This is a succulent dish popular all over the Canary Islands.
  • Palm honey
However, the queen of Gomeran cuisine is the palm honey. A syrup extracted from the Canarian Palm (Phoenix Canariensis), more than 100,000 of which grow in La Gomera, it is reduced by boiling to a thick brown caramel which is the base for a long line of traditional sweets. It is also employed in the making of cocktails or served to accompany cheese or 'gofio' (flour made from toasted maize, wheat or barley).

        

  • Wines
The present policy of the Cabildo (island government) and the effort and dedication of the vine growers and producers has permitted the rebirth of the wine business, thanks to Regulating Councils which control and guarantee its quality. With the creation of new regional wine-cellars and the up-dating of the equipment in the remainder, added to the care taken of the vineyards on the technical advice of specialized personnel, the result has been a first-quality wine. The preservation of this sector is both of great importance to the island economy and to maintaining the landscape.
The island can be divided into 3 regions:
  • Hermigua-Agulo - comprising the vineyards of these boroughs.
  • Vallehermoso - vineyards situated on the northern slopes.
  • Southern region - comprising the vineyards of the boroughs of Valle Gran Rey and Alajeró.

    • The wines most frequently found on the island are white, straw-coloured with intense varietal aromas, agreeable on the tongue. Perhaps the variety 'forastera' is what makes them different and give them personality. They are warm-toned wines with body and a very characteristic bouquet.
      Natrón Servicios Ibertext, S.L.