Pickles: little jewels in vinegar

If there's one flavor that instantly triggers the taste buds of any Spanish expat, it's vinegar. That acidic, salty, and vibrant touch that so often accompanies a cold beer or, even better, a vermouth on a sunny terrace. And this unmistakable ingredient is responsible for creating little gems of our gastronomy: pickles, small appetizers that, although often overlooked due to their unassuming nature, are pure culinary heritage. Banderillas, gildas, olives… each with its own personality, but all made with the sole purpose of making us happy before a meal.

Our most unique appetizer

In other countries, the concept of an aperitif might be more closely associated with nuts or commercially produced dips. In Spain, the aperitif has its own distinct character. And part of that character is made up of pickled foods. They're flavorful, refreshing, whet the appetite, and, what's more, they're light. It's no coincidence that almost every self-respecting bar has a tray dedicated to olives, marinated anchovies, or gildas, all waiting to be devoured.

The queens: the olives

Black, green, stuffed with anchovies, peppers, almonds, or even cheese. Pitted or unpitted. Seasoned with garlic, paprika, aromatic herbs… Olives are the perfect all-rounder for tapas and appetizers. Each region has its own variety and way of seasoning them, from Seville's Manzanilla olives to Gordal olives, passing through Catalonia's Arbequina olives or La Mancha's Cornicabra olives. And all of them, absolutely all of them, are capable of transporting you back home with a single bite.

The gilda: a classic with character

The gilda is probably the most famous skewer in Spain. Originating in the Basque Country—reportedly in a San Sebastián bar sometime in the 1940s—it owes its name to the Rita Hayworth film, due to its "salty, green, and slightly spicy" character. It consists of a green olive, a pickled chili pepper, and an anchovy fillet. It may seem simple, but its intensity is such that if you try it abroad, you'll feel as if someone has brought you half a bar of pintxos in their suitcase.

The banderillas: the art of piercing the impossible

Who hasn't nibbled on a banderilla while waiting for their beer at the bar? They're those colorful skewers with all sorts of pickled vegetables: gherkins, spring onions, olives, carrots, red peppers, chili peppers, and often, a touch of anchovy. Each bite is an explosion of textures and flavors, combining the acidity of the vinegar, the crunch of the gherkin, the meatiness of the pepper, and the spiciness of the chili pepper. Our mouths are watering just writing about it.

A snack that fits in a box (and in an emotional suitcase)

For those of you who live far from Spain, pickles may seem impossible to find… But at The Taste of Spain we've revived this tradition and created a box that will bring this snack to your home , wherever you are.

So now you know: the next time you want to feel close to Spain, don't go for a big feast. Open a jar of olives, make some gildas, pair them with a vermouth or a beer… and you'll see how, for a few minutes, your local bar comes back to you.

Because sometimes, the simplest things are what taste most like home.

*You can buy our Vermouth Box with everything you need to create your own happy hour , including some good pickles, by visiting this link.