Despite being known as a holiday destination, Lanzarote is ultimately a farming community with a rich history of growing some amazing produce and cultivating the now sort after wines by harnessing a unique climate and soil that make it a great place to grow wine grapes. The most popular grape variety in Lanzarote which makes up for the vast majority of wines is Malvasia Volcanica, which produces white wines that are light, fruity, and delicious.

When it comes to pairing wine with food in Lanzarote, the local cuisine is a great place to start. Lanzarote is known for its fresh seafood, such as grilled BBQ fish, octopus, and squid, which pairs well with the island's white wines. Additionally, the island's goat and sheep cheese, which is often served with honey and almonds, is a perfect match for the fruity and acidic white wines.

Being by the sea, Lanzarote has a wealth of local fish and seafood however, one dish that is a sort of locals secret are Gambas La Santa - a small super sweet  prawn fished off the wild west coast of Lanzarote more famed for surfing than seafood. Fishermen supply the local restaurants with Gambas La Santa when conditions are good for fishing and if they're available locals will definitely order them while on offer. Served grilled on a bed of hot Lanzarote salt all they need is a squeeze of fresh lemon and they're delicious.

Another traditional and very popular dish in Lanzarote is papas arrugadas or Canarian potatoes, which are small, salted new potatoes boiled in saltwater until the skins go wrinkly and served with a duo of sauces called Mojo.  Red Mojo is made with chilli and is rich and fiery while green mojo is made with green herbs, garlic and sometimes avocado for a more subtle option.  Mojo varies wherever you order it and is usually based on the family recipe of whoever is making and serving it.

Meat wise, although you can get a wide variety of meat mainly from Mainland Spain or South America, Goat and Rabbit are the traditional local staples. Both were introduced to the Island by the Spanish as a hardy source of protein and traditional dishes vary from stews, grilled bbq options, slow cooked braised joints  and soups with chickpeas and lentils. Super good comfort food if you have had a few too many Vinos!

The very popular farmers market on Saturday in the capital Arrecife and on Sunday in Macher Blanca provide the perfect opportunity to buy local produce direct from the growers and makers to cook yourself. A huge array of fruit and vegetables, local cheeses, bread and cakes are on offer as well as fresh juices to quench your thirst while you shop. Sunday in Macher Blanca has a great 'Siciodad' or social centre where they make many of the dishes previously discussed and is a super place to have a post market drink and tapas.

Watch our for more gastronomy based blogs coming up!