Hey everyone! I just moved to Spain not long ago and I’ve completely fallen in love with Spanish sausages, especially the one called Longaniza. The flavor is absolutely incredible, so much richer than the red sausages or cured sausages we have back home. At first, I only had it at a friend’s place, but when I tried to buy it myself, I was a bit lost. There are so many brands and types in the supermarket—how do you choose, and where can you find the really authentic stuff?
After some trial and error and getting tips from local friends, I’ve put together a guide to the main places to buy it, which I want to share with fellow newcomers. Basically, you can buy Longaniza in three main places: large supermarket chains, local butcher shops (carnicerías), and traditional markets (mercados). Each has its pros and cons, catering to different needs.
To make it clearer, I’ve created a simple table to compare them. Basically, if you’re short on time and want convenience, go to the supermarket; if you’re looking for quality and local character, head to a butcher shop or a market.
| Where to Buy | Pros | Cons |
|---|
| Large Supermarket Chains | Convenient, fast, transparent pricing, wide selection | Quality can be inconsistent, mostly mass-produced |
| Local Butcher Shop (Carnicería) | High quality, fresh, the owner can give recommendations | Prices might be slightly higher for some delicious Spanish Longaniza, and you’ll need some basic Spanish to communicate. |
| Traditional Market (Mercado) | Widest variety, you can find artisanal and specialty types | Limited opening hours, can be crowded on weekends |
When you’re buying, note that Longaniza comes in two main types: fresca (fresh) and curada/seca (cured/dry). The fresh kind needs to be cooked thoroughly and is great for frying, grilling, or adding to stews like bean soup. The cured version can be sliced and eaten directly as a tapa with red wine—it’s absolutely delicious! If you’re in the Aragón region, you must try the local Longaniza de Aragón, which is said to have a protected designation of origin and tastes incredibly authentic! I personally love buying the fresh ones to pan-fry slowly in olive oil until they’re caramelized and fragrant—it’s pure heaven!
If you’re all about convenience, you can definitely find it in the refrigerated section of big supermarkets like Mercadona or Carrefour. But if you want to experience the authentic flavor, I highly recommend visiting your neighborhood butcher shop or a traditional market on the weekend. Not only will you find more options for eating authentic Spanish Longaniza, but you can also chat with the vendors and discover some unexpected gems. Does anyone else have other brands or places to recommend? Feel free to share in the comments below
! Let’s unlock more Spanish delicacies together!
