AGRICULTURE OF EL HIERRO
El Hierro is not only about breathtaking views, lava fields, 1000-year treas, secluded beaches and some of the most interesting diving spots in the world.
Back in 1990 it was decided to make this island a biosphere reserve under the protection of UNESCO and since then it is actively developing and growing as an autonomous bio-system.
With the inauguration of the Gorona del Viento hydroelectric plant El Hierro becomes the first island to be completely self sufficient using only renewable energy. Moreover, 8 years ago the island agriculture has been fully converted to the organic production without using any chemical fertilisers. Only organic material, micro-organisms and fungi that together maintain a living soil with very good yields. This time was enough for the soil to cleanse and now it is sure that everything growing on it is 100% organic.
Al most all food products such as fruits, vegetables, fish, meat, dairy and wine that are served in the restaurants or sold in the shops are organic and locally produced.
The agriculture on the island is in the hands of the local cooperatives. They are really proud of the quality of their products and that is a well-deserved pride. The growing demand for the organics gives them an opportunity for the further development and progress. El Golfo Valley can be distinguished as a local center of fruit production. Bananas, grapes, mangoes, fruit trees and local pineapples grow there in abundance all year round.
Local Products
Pineapples
the largest production of pineapples Frontera has become the best place for growing the plantations of this tropical food .Originally, seeds were from Cuba or Venezuela,a but now they have their own
Cheese
Most of the cheeses on the island are made of goat's milk, 5% of sheep's milk, and 15% of cow's milk.
A local specialty is smocked cheese with figs and prickly pear.
Cheese is a foundation of many local dishes including quesadilla - the main island's dessert made of cheese, flour and eggs with cinnamon, lemon and anise.
Quesadilla
cake made from frsh cheese and pasteurised ilk with a touch of anis, flour, sugar, cinnamon essence with lemon
shape of flower or star
Wine
All the inhabitants of the island have small vineyards, so you can try locally-made and home wine in the restaurants.
The wines of the wineries cooperatives Campo de Frontera, Tanajara and others have won many awards. Vineyards grow at the height of about 600 meters on the volcanic soil.
Main sorts of wine: Vijariego Negro and Baboso Negro
Gofio
a Canary Islands traditional dish inherited from the Guanche tribes, who had lived here in pre-Christian times. Gofio is cooked of barley, corn, wheat flour sometimes adding peas and beans
Fish
Fish dominates the island cuisine and is always served with local wrinkled potatoes and special mojo sauce.
Every morning the local fishermen's cooperative traditionally catches the wild fish in the Atlantic ocean, and it's possible to buy this fresh fish from them or try it in some local restaurants.
In the area of fishing, El Hierro can boast La Restinga Marine Reserve, which was backed by the local Fishing Association and is based on avoiding overexploitation.
Every seaside restaurant would offer you dishes made of fish and seafood from the morning catch.