S4 Ep9: Asturias: A conversation with Ali Dunworth and Blanca Valencia.

Journalist Ali Dunworth and Blanca talk about their recent trip to the Asturias region in

Spain, where they were pampered with cider, veal, cheese, and conservas. Oviedo, the

capital, is on the Camino Norte, the famous pilgrim walk that winds its way through the

north of Spain.

Listen to them as they chat about cider, which ranges from a champagne-like fizz to an

uncarbonated brew that is pungent with apples, and which is often poured by

handsome men with beards. They visit a factory for conservas (tinned fish and seafood)

in Gijon, which are prepared by hand by women. They also do a tasting with Asturias’s

most famous cheesemonger Aitor Vega which is done geographically and presents a

great variety for a small region of Spain.

Ali and Blanca also discuss how this part of Spain reminds them of the West of Ireland

with its rugged coast and green pastures.

They talk about the exquisite cheeses, egg yolk pastries in Oviedo, rice puddings,

Cachopos (veal cutlets with ham and cheese) and fabada. However there is no butter;

you have olive oil instead.

Even without butter, the allure of this lush land is clear.

Mentioned in this episode:

Meauldflower.com

Asturex.org

Icex.es

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