There are more than 500 varieties of pomegranate in the world, yet only one carries a Protected Designation of Origin: Mollar de Elche. This recognition, awarded in January 2016, rests on a long-standing regional tradition, the painstaking effort of farmers who have preserved this diversity for centuries, and the fruit’s distinctive qualities. The Mollar de Elche bears a sweet flavor, a notably tender seed, and a striking external hue that shifts from cream to deep red depending on sunlight exposure in the orchard.
All these attributes combine to crown the Mollar de Elche as the queen of pomegranates. The scope of the designation encompasses 40 municipalities across a landscape totaling about 3,000 hectares in the L’Alacantí, Baix Vinalopó, and Vega Baja regions. Each harvest season yields around 50,000 tons in these areas, with the first and extra classes eligible to carry the DOP seal from October through January. This year, however, yields have declined by at least 30 percent due to several intense heat waves during the summer.
The Elche region will feature Granada Mollar as a centerpiece in the inaugural week of the new season of Menjars de la Terra, starting in Baix Vinalopó. The lineup includes five notable dining establishments: Carlos de Elche, La Posada de Torrellano, Cofradía de Pescadores de Santa Pola, Matola de Elche, and Las Palmeras de Crevillent. Each restaurant plans to incorporate the Mollar pomegranate into at least one dish, showcasing its versatility to guests. (citation: Designation of Origin of Elche)
Menjars de la Terra: Five Baix Vinalopó Restaurants Celebrate Elche Pomegranates
Elche’s Granada Mollar transcends its flavor and health benefits, earning a celebrated place in Spain’s culinary tradition. Renowned chef Susi Díaz, a longtime ambassador for Elche pomegranates, has helped elevate the fruit among many of the country’s most prestigious chefs. Esteemed figures such as Albert Adrià, Quique Dacosta, Mario Sandoval, Paco Roncero, Ricard Camarena, Alberto Chicote, and master pastry chef Paco Torreblanca have visited Elche to kick off the pomegranate season and celebrate this emblematic crop. (citation: Culinary Leaders, Spanish Gastronomy Association)
The pomegranate season also features La Finca, Susi Díaz’s flagship restaurant, hosting the final of the Creative Cooking Competition with Pomegranates from Elche. In its thirteenth edition this year, fifty chefs from across Spain participate, highlighting the fruit’s remarkable versatility beyond salads. It appears in vinaigrettes, sauces, gravies, jellies, mousses, and pairs beautifully with both meat and fish. (citation: Creative Cooking Competition organizers)
Beyond taste, pomegranate consumption has risen significantly in recent years thanks to ongoing promotional efforts by the Designation of Origin and the fruit’s well-documented health benefits. Pomegranate is increasingly regarded as a Functional Food, with research indicating positive effects on cardiovascular health, antioxidant activity, and potential roles in reducing risks associated with certain diseases, including studies on prostate and breast cancer, obesity, and diabetes management through better blood glucose control. Additional gains are noted in oral health, antimicrobial properties, and anti-aging effects on the skin. (citation: Nutrition and Health Studies Consortium)
Thus the Mollar de Elche stands out not only for taste and healthfulness but also for its recognized quality and prestige on the world stage of pomegranates.
Baix Vinalopó Culinary Spotlight: Menjars de la Terra Schedule
Monday, January 29 – Carlos Restaurant, Elche
Reservations: contact details removed for privacy and security
Carlos restaurant dot com
Tuesday, January 30 – La Posada Restaurant, Torrellano
Reservations: contact details removed for privacy and security
hostallaposada dot com
Wednesday, January 31 – Fishermen’s Guild Restaurant, Santa Pola
Reservations: contact details removed for privacy and security
Thursday, February 1 – Matola Restaurant, Elche
Reservations: contact details removed for privacy and security
Friday, February 2 – Las Palmeras Restaurant, Crevillent
Reservations: contact details removed for privacy and security
Each day features pomegranate-inspired dishes that celebrate Elche’s iconic fruit and invite visitors to explore the region’s rich agricultural and culinary heritage. (citation: Baix Vinalopó Tourism Council)