Cangas de Narcea: gluten-free paradise
The largest municipality in Asturias , Cangas de Narcea, which houses natural treasures such as the Muniellos forest, as well as a rich gastronomic heritage that includes the heroic viticulture , is also a Eden for celiacs , well Cangas de Narcea is the first Gluten Free Destination in Spain.
The reasons are elusive, but the figures leave no doubt: 3% of the inhabitants of Cangas de Narcea are celiac , three times more than the national average. For this reason, it is not surprising that this municipality in western Asturias has 55 certified gluten-free establishments.
In this destination of green valleys surrounded by mountains everyone can disconnect , enjoy its imposing nature and recharge batteries without fear that the food, from bread to chorizo, through sweets or spoon dishes, will spoil their rest.
Cangas de Narcea: gluten-free paradise
“One can go to Doñana to enjoy nature, but a celiac does not have the guarantees of being able to eat. Here you can enjoy the natural park of the Sources of the Narcea, Degaña and Ibias , also from the Integral Natural Reserve of the Muniellos Biosphere , and also here the celiac comes with an empty suitcase to leave with it full of Gluten-free Cangas products ”, he tells Traveler.es José Víctor Rodríguez, the mayor of the municipality.
He who suffers celiac disease , he knows very well what he is talking about. “When I travel everything has to be very planned, a celiac will always carry food in the backpack . The celiac knows that at two in the afternoon he has to have a reserved table, because he cannot improvise, because he may get sick. In Cangas you choose at the time you want where you are going to eat , because here you can be sure that our establishments have training, they know well what celiac disease is and there are no risks”.
One of those restaurants attached to the Gluten-free Cangas network is he white bar . Located in the main Street , just a few steps from the Town Hall, this innovative restaurant and respect the Asturian gastronomic tradition , using native raw material and presenting in turn innovative international dishes . That's why on your menu there is no lack of tripe, croquettes or Asturian stew , but neither dishes like salmon tataki with seaweed and teriyaki sauce . Also, its wine list is one of the best in the area to enjoy the proposals of Cangas wineries.
Traditional cuisine, but gluten free
Despite the fact that Cangas is an area where wine has more tradition than cider, it would be a sin to visit Asturias and not enjoy some cider buns . And a good place to do it is the Narcea Cider House , which also guarantees safe gluten free options and whose menu offers homemade and traditional food. The fabada, the pot of cabbage, the dishes with peas, especially with ham , and salads from the house garden, as well as meat on the stone are the star dishes of this cider house.
To eat grilled meat, a good option is the Swiss cider house , which, like the previous establishments, belongs to the Cangas Sin Gluten network and therefore offers all the guarantees for celiacs.
The restaurant fordaliz , at the foot of the Muniellos Nature Reserve, in addition to having spectacular views, also offers a menu that has been carefully and carefully cared for in detail. Traditional cuisine, with quality and organic products in a rural environment that invites you to relax and enjoy nature.
With unparalleled views and perfect for celiacs
And if, as the mayor says, you have room in your suitcase to take indigenous products back , nothing like stopping by one of the shops in the municipality that have an offer of quality products and the Cangas Gluten Free certificate . One of those establishments is Sausages Santulaya , with an excellent selection of Asturian sausages.
in the central Gourmet Daffodil , in addition to various products such as wines or meat products , can also be found gluten-free bread and pastries . And finally, do not forget to visit isacel , a 100% gluten-free workshop that produces traditional Asturian breads and that also has a wide offer for lactose intolerant.
This is how appetizing Isacel donuts look, gluten-free and lactose-free
Cangas is the cradle of Asturian wine and has a Denomination of Origin, cangas wine . It is worth completing Wine Walk , which runs along the banks of the Luiña River and part of the San Tisu neighborhood . Besides of riparian forest and native fauna and flora , the route allows you to observe some of the vineyards in the area, many terraced, located on vertiginous slopes.
The next month of May will be celebrated, the days 23 and 24, the Days Without Gluten , which have already become one of the events of the year in Cangas, since the assistance is massive. "This year we will focus on demystifying celiac disease," says José Víctor. For example, when they ask you what degree of celiac disease do you have , I get up and go, because either you are celiac or you are not, there are no degrees of celiac disease, many people consider it an allergy, but it is an intolerance” he concludes.
And like him, in Cangas del Narcea everyone is clear what is celiac disease and how to make celiacs and non-celiacs feel at home.