Sobrasada

The Mallorcan sobrassada is a distinctive raw cured sausage from the Balearic Islands, where the combination of pork, salt, paprika and black pepper, stuffed into casings, has created a unique culinary tradition.

Its name comes from the Sicilian “soppressa”, reflecting its Mediterranean past and its evolution thanks to maritime trade. With the introduction of paprika in the 16th century, sobrasada acquired its characteristic red color and became an essential element in the Mallorcan pantry, consumed both fresh in winter and spread on bread in summer or as an ingredient in local dishes.

Sobrasada is traditionally made after the “matança”, an annual ritual of pig slaughter that takes place at the end of autumn and is an important social and family tradition in the Mallorcan countryside. The pork meat is minced and mixed with paprika, salt and other spices, and then stuffed into the animal’s intestine. This mixture is cured in the open air, taking advantage of the island’s climatic conditions, which are ideal for developing its unique flavor and texture.

The production of sobrassada follows a recipe regulated by the Mallorcan Specific Denomination, which balances lean meat with bacon and spices. This sausage is cured naturally, respecting traditions and adapting to the modern palate.

Over the centuries, sobrasada has been more than just a food: it has served as a reservoir of nutrients during the winter months and has played a starring role in island cuisine, appearing in a variety of dishes, from the most humble to the most sophisticated. Mallorcan sobrasada is today a symbol of the island, appreciated by locals and sought after by gourmets around the world for its deep flavor and versatility in the kitchen.

The production of sobrassada follows a recipe regulated by the Mallorcan Specific Denomination, which balances lean meat with bacon and spices. This sausage is cured naturally, respecting traditions and adapting to the modern palate, and in 1996, the EU recognized its uniqueness with the Geographical Indication. Sobrasada is more than a food: it is a legacy of the history and culture of Mallorca.