The rich gastronomy of Écija is the result of the history of the town. The ingredients produced by the fertile astigitano (natural of Écija) orchard. Among the dishes of Écija the visitor can find gazpacho (cold tomato soup), salmorejo (cold tomato and bread cream), espinacas labradas (spinach with fried bread, garlic and olive oil) or Sopa de Gato –cat soup- (a tasty soup of ancient origin made of dry bread, garlic, oil and salt). Other typical dishes are the oxtail, the asparagus casserole or flamenquines (ham stuffed meat rolls).
Écija offers a compendium of products from the countryside, including excellent olive oil, molletes (soft bread bums) and shortbreads, dishes like huevos a la flamenca, espinacas labradas. There is also a delicious confectionery, highlighted by the yemas ecijanas and the sweets made by the nuns: jams from the convent of Las Teresas and Moroccan biscuits from the Convent of la Concepción, fairy cakes, cinnamon biscuits from Santa Florentina, small cakes and roscos (pastry rolls) from Santa Inés.
One of the greatest treasures of Écija are handicrafts, with different manifestations that range from popular pottery to fine gold embroideries, going through saddlery, cabinet making or forging. As part of our cultural heritage, it is crucial to maintain these traditions that are so appreciated by visitors and have been preserved in time by woodworkers, potters, saddlers, embroiderers, etc.
The important activity of the guilds of Écija in the past, nourish the handicraft production of today. Worth mention is the exceptional quality of leather goods –with refined leatherwork for riding and hunting– wrought iron, cabinet making and carving, pottery, ceramics and gold embroidery work.
In short, we are in front of a whole exhibition or the art of our region that invites visitors to purchase these crafts, a tradition the artisans from Écija have maintained for centuries.
