Ibiza is a land of fishermen and this is evident in every part of the island. Fishing was one of the most important industries until not so long ago, and this tradition is still evident in the island’s cuisine, where the sea features largely in every recipe.
One fish that is most closely identified with the island is the much sought after raor (pearly razor fish). It is rarely fished commercially and the catch is restricted to a specific number of fish per fisherman. The season opens in September for this fish which dwells on the sandy seabed of the warm Mediterranean and Atlantic waters, and it is a protected species with fishing prohibited from 1 April to 1 September. It is not a fish that you will find on every restaurant table, and its price can vary from 50 to 100 euros per kilo, making it one of the most expensive in Spain.
Another culinary treat that is very popular in Ibiza is red tuna. Fishing for this species in the Balearics was prohibited in 2006, but in 2018 it was allowed once more, but only for non- industrial fishing craft such as the Ibizan llauts, the traditional local fishing boats. In recent years, some of the typical Ibizan recipes made with this fish have been rediscovered such as tonyina a l’eivissenca and they are a real gourmet treat.
Finally, the spiny lobster is another special delicacy from the sea that is in great demand in Ibiza. It is only fished on a small scale on the island, in an effort to preserve the environment and to encourage breeding of this species. This shellfish is another product that has been awarded the seal of the Sabors d’Eivissa, a brand promoted by the Consell d’Eivissa to distinguish traditional Ibizan produce. Spiny lobster is a dish that never fails to captivate, and there are many ways of serving it, as in the caldereta -sea food stew – or just having it plain with fried egg and chips.
Aside from these culinary delicacies, the Ibizan sea offers up many other treats such as espardenyes (sea cucumber), gerret (picarel) or Ibizan red shrimp, delicious enough to delight any gourmet palate, and they really are worth trying if you want to get a taste of the quintessential flavour of the sea that is so characteristic of the island.