Calçots are, without a doubt, one of the star products of Catalan cuisine. They are a tender, slightly bulbous, elongated onion with a mild, sweet taste. They’re typically cooked directly over a hot flame. In addition, they are usually accompanied by a typical sauce, known as salvitxada, similar to the famous romesco sauce. Origins Calçots are very popular on the Costa Daurada, especially in the Alt Camp region, where the town of Valls is considered the capital par excellence. This vegetable’s origins date back to the end of the 19th century, and they’re attributed to a man known as Xat de Benaiges. This farmer from Valls became the pioneer of calçots, after cooking grilled onions and seasoning them with oil, vinegar and salt. Since then, calçotades have successfully been held in Valls and throughout the county on a regular basis. Although Alt Camp is the birthplace of calçots, they are also grown in other counties, such as Conca de Barberà, Baix Camp and Tarragonès. Nowadays there are more and more producers scattered throughout the region, from Baix Penedès to Baix Llobregat, who offer options to enjoy a great calçotada. What are the benefits of calçots? Calçots are an exceptional source of fibre and folates. Fibre helps to ensure that intestinal flora are working properly and also helps us to feel satiated for longer. On the other hand, folates are ideal for pregnant women, as they promote proper tissue growth and are involved in maintaining the immune system. To ensure that your calçotada offers a healthy meal, start directly with the calçots and continue with the meat and some grilled vegetables, finishing with a delicious fruit-based dessert. A true culinary feast. The best time to enjoy calçots is during the winter months, when various restaurants and farmhouses offer calçotades to enjoy with family or friends, and turn the tradition of eating calçots into a real feast. To commemorate this tradition, every year, at the end of January, Valls celebrates the Great Calçotada Festival. Visitors attending the event can enjoy outdoor calçotades accompanied by shows, live music, competitions and activities for the whole family. This annual event attracts thousands of people and testifies to the popularity of this typical local product. In fact, the calçot de Valls has a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI), a distinction from the European Union that guarantees this product’s origin and unique characteristics. This designation is also only given to calçots grown in certain municipalities in Alt Camp, Baix Camp, Tarragonès and Baix Penedès, as they follow methods that guarantee their quality.