Organic markets: the healthy and organic product revolution in Andalucia

Andalucia is a region of farmers and artisans, and has a huge surface area of fertile lands, though just a year ago it was quite difficult to visit organic markets if you lived in coastal zones. But this has changed in a relatively short time and organic products are now being distributed beyond the inland zones of difference provinces. What started as a passing trend has undergone a transformation and created much awareness of the importance of consuming less processed and more natural products, leading to the growth of organic products in Andalucia. Fresh fruit and vegetables grown without using chemicals, wine, honey, spices and an extensive offering that you will find in the organic markets of Andalucia that we will tell you about. Don’t miss out!

 

What are organic products?

Organic products are those that have been grown or produced by following strict rules that prioritise environmental care and protection, enabling us to enjoy tastier, healthier and more nutritional products. These regulations that must be followed cover the entire growing, rearing and production process in order to obtain natural food without toxins.

 

BENEFITS OF CONSUMING ORGANIC FOOD

Here are some of the benefits of consuming organic and locally produced food:

 

Guadalhorce ecológico (Málaga)

The Guadalhorce Valley is known as “the orchard of Málaga” and is characterised by its fertility and the cultivation of vegetables, fruit and citrus fruits. More and more farmers are signing up to ecological production and its consumers are also growing in numbers. Málaga province has nine ecological markets that belong to this new Guadalhorce network established in different towns. Marbella, Cártama, Mijas, Benalmádena and the capital of the Costa del Sol are where producers set up their stalls on weekends. If you want to find out their opening times, visit www.guadalhorceecologico.com

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• Fewer pesticides and chemicals: Organic foods are usually produced without the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, chemical fertilizers, and antibiotics. This reduces exposure to chemical residues in food, which can be beneficial for long-term health.
• Higher nutritional quality: Some research suggests that organic foods may have higher levels of essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants compared to conventional foods.
• Better taste: Many people find that organic foods have a more authentic and fresh taste as they are often grown in nutrient-rich soil and harvested at their peak of ripeness.
• Fewer additives: Organic foods often contain fewer artificial additives, such as colorings and preservatives, which can be beneficial for those looking to reduce their consumption of chemical substances in their diet.

• Animal welfare: Organic standards often include more humane and ethical breeding practices, which means that animals may have better welfare in organic production systems.
• Environmental sustainability: Organic farming tends to use practices that are more environmentally friendly, such as conservation agriculture, crop rotation, and minimizing the use of non-renewable resources. This can help preserve biodiversity and reduce soil and water pollution.
• Less antibiotic resistance: Organic production of meat and dairy often involves the prohibition of using antibiotics as growth promoters, which can contribute to reducing antibiotic resistance in humans.
• Support for local farmers: Buying organic foods from local producers can help support the local economy and sustain small-scale agriculture.
• Lower risk of allergies: Some people find that organic foods cause them fewer allergies or intolerances, possibly due to the absence of pesticide residues and other chemical substances.
• Environmental awareness: Consuming organic foods can promote greater awareness of the environmental impact of our food choices and encourage a more sustainable lifestyle in general.

Ecomercado San Lucar la Mayor (Seville)

Held on the first Saturday of each month on Plaza Santísimo Cristo de la Humildad de Sanlúcar la Mayor, this is a market where visitors can find a wide range of organic foods that respect nature and are made entirely by hand. Small local and district farmers come to sell their products at this organic market, which offers many items, none of which contain harmful chemical substances.

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Apícola Doñana, Almonte (Huelva)

Nestled in Almonte, Huelva, and surrounded by the wonderful setting of Doñana, is where you can buy organic honey at Apícola Doñana. Sweeten your breakfast with this local product that is also mixed with pine nuts, almonds, nuts or a variety of fruits. If you want to recharge your batteries try its royal jelly. You can make the most of your visit to the province by enjoying the natural setting of the Huelva salt marshes and the unbeatable landscape of Doñana Natural Park.

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Biohuelva, Huelva

The El Carmen market in Huelva has a 100% organic stall where you can buy all the traditional produce from the Huelva countryside that has not been treated with chemical fertilisers or pesticides. You must try the organic strawberries, a delicacy for all, that has become quite an identifying emblem of this town in Spain and in the rest of Europe. A mosaic of colours recently picked from the ground for your table.

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Tienda con la Mesa Puesta, Cádiz

Good food based on organic produce is the main slogan of the local shop “Con la mesa puesta.” Its shelves are stocked with fruit, vegetables, pulses, bread, meat and fish, as well as natural cosmetics and other organic goods. If you travel to Cádiz, be sure to stop by this establishment where, if you have celiac disease or are lactose intolerant, you can find food adapted to your needs.

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Kombuchería, Vejer de la Frontera (Cádiz)

This small family shop sells natural product lines that are popular in this part of southern Spain. This organic establishment is known for its infusions and eggs laid by free range hens that eat natural cereal, which you can taste in the product. Don’t miss this unique shop and be sure to visit one of the most charming towns in Cádiz, where you can enjoy a seaside sunset worthy of a film.

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Museo del Vino Málaga

The Málaga Museum of Wine was created from the concern and desire of the wine growing sector to have a space from which to promote the values of quality and prestige of Malagan wines and their culture. In this enclave you can find a wide range of organic wines, including those produced in the same province, which are gaining increasing recognition. If you visit the capital of the Costa del Sol you must visit this museum because, as well as learning about its history, you can taste all its varieties.

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Eco Melar, Grazalema

Montejaque, in the heart of the Sierra De Grazalmena Natural Park, is home to the organic jam factory Eco Melar. Created with the aim of enabling local women to be self-employed, this establishment produces natural artisan agricultural products and fruit liqueurs. Don’t miss this golden opportunity to visit one of the most important ecosystems in Andalucia and at the same time experience the authentic taste of natural jams and preserves.

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Mercado ecológico de la Axarquía

If you are a fan of tropical fruits make sure to visit Axarquía Market to try its organic produce. Mangoes, avocadoes and custard apples are just some of the delicacies sold in the organic markets in Nerja, Torrox, Torre del Mar and Rincón de la Victoria. Its organic crops look out over the sea and are looked after with great care by local farmers, whose natural produce is becoming increasingly well-known. What better reason to visit this Malagan district and enjoy the delicious flavours of the most exotic fruits.

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Other markets

 

Ecomercado Salobreña

Plaza del Mercado Municipal Salobreña, Granada
2º domingo / mes
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Ecomercado Melegís

Mirador de las Alvirillas, Melegís, Granada
1º domingo / mes
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Mercado de Cártama

Parque Urb. Los Naranjos, Cártama, Málaga
1º domingo / mes
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Mercado de Marbella

Avda. de España, Pinar de Elviria, Marbella, Málaga
1º sábado / mes
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Mercado de Ronda

Parque de San Rafael, Ronda, Málaga
2º y 4º sábado / mes
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Ecomercado Cádiz

El Niño Jesús (Puerta de Tierra) Cádiz
2º sábado / mes
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Mercado de Cercanía y Ecológico de la Rinconada

Parque Ramón María del Valle Inclán, San José de la Rinconada, Sevilla
1º sábado/mes
Google Maps 

 

 

WHERE TO STAY

To discover the natural Andalucia and its organic markets, what could be better than spending a few days relaxing in a nice environmentally friendly  hotel. Your best option in undoubtedly Fuerte Hoteles. The chain has establishments where you can enjoy not only its services, but also the best of Andalucia’s geography.

Its 60 plus years of experience serve as the best guarantee of service. Marbella, Conil, Grazalema, El Rompido, Estepona and Torrox are just some of the places where you can find these amazing hotels.