El desayuno molinero y su asociación con Andalucía

23 febrero 2023

The "miller breakfast" and its association with Andalusia

The miller breakfast is an Andalusian tradition that dates back to the 19th century. During this time, many families lived in the rural areas of Andalusia and worked in the oil mills.

These mills were and still are important for the economy of the region. The history of this breakfast dates back to the beginning of the olive oil campaign, when the workers in the oil mills started work very early, before dawn, and needed a strong and nutritious breakfast to last until lunchtime.

The miller breakfast consisted of a combination of energy-giving foods, such as hard or toasted bread, olive oil, garlic, tomato and sometimes also sardines or cod. The preparation of the miller breakfast was simple and quick, as the workers had to arrive early at the mill to start their working day. First, the hard bread was toasted and rubbed with fresh garlic. Then a fresh tomato was cut into pieces and crushed with olive oil and salt.

The miller breakfast became a tradition in the Andalusian region and spread to other farm workers, such as labourers and farm workers. During the campaign season, it was even eaten at night or as an afternoon snack, when there was a break.

Over time, it became a typical breakfast for all Andalusians and can still be found in some bars and cafés in the region. Nowadays, the breakfast molinero has been modernised and can be found in many variations. For example, some people add Serrano ham or cheese to the traditional recipe, while others accompany it with coffee or orange juice. However, the essence of the desayuno molinero remains the same: a nutritious and energetic breakfast that has been part of Andalusian culture since the first mills.

The Day of Andalusia is celebrated every year on 28 February and commemorates the approval of the Statute of Autonomy of Andalusia in 1980. This date is considered an important day for Andalusians, as it marks the beginning of the region's political autonomy. The miller breakfast is a deep-rooted tradition in Andalusian culture, and is considered one of the typical dishes of the region.

Due to its importance in Andalusian gastronomy and its relation with the labour history of the region, the 'desayuno molinero' has become a symbol of identity for Andalusians. It is for this reason that the miller breakfast is celebrated on the Day of Andalusia, as a tribute to the culture and traditions of the region. In addition, the miller breakfast is also a way of uniting the Andalusian community around a common tradition and sharing the experience of an authentic and nutritious breakfast.

In some schools it is served just before the Andalusian long weekend, in this case, tomorrow 24th February.

These breakfasts have an exceptional relevance in the Subbética Cordobesa area, due to the economic importance that olive trees and olive oil have had in this area: the production of extra virgin olive oil is one of the main sources of economic income in the region. Subbética Cordobesa is known for being one of the most important olive oil producing areas in Spain and the world. The extra virgin olive oil from Subbética Cordobesa is of high quality and is exported to many countries around the world.

Olive trees and extra virgin olive oil are an integral part of Andalusian culture and the identity of the region. Olive oil production has a long history in Andalusia and has been an important economic activity for centuries. Furthermore, extra virgin olive oil is used in many traditional recipes in the region, and is a fundamental part of the Mediterranean diet, which is considered one of the healthiest in the world.

We must not forget the environmental importance of this tree and its oil for Andalusia. Olive trees are an important part of the landscape of Subbética Cordobesa and Andalusia, and play an important role in the conservation of the environment. Olive trees help prevent soil erosion, conserve biodiversity and are an important source of stored carbon. Furthermore, extensive extra virgin olive oil production is a sustainable activity that uses traditional and environmentally friendly cultivation and production methods.

Returning to breakfast, we would like to mention that in today's society breakfast is losing importance for several reasons and that is why it is necessary to vindicate it:

Fast-paced lifestyle: Many people have a fast-paced lifestyle and do not have time to prepare and enjoy a full breakfast. Time has become a limited resource and many people prefer to sleep a little longer or spend time on other tasks instead of preparing and eating a full breakfast.

New dietary trends: Some current dietary trends, such as intermittent fasting or skipping breakfast, promote the idea that skipping breakfast may have health benefits. While these approaches may have benefits in some cases, they may also contribute to the loss of importance of breakfast.

Lack of awareness of the importance of breakfast: Many people are unaware of the importance of breakfast for health. They are not informed that breakfast is one of the most important meals of the day, helping to maintain stable energy levels, improve concentration and cognitive performance, and reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases. In addition, skipping breakfast tends to lead to heavier snacks or dinners, a practice that is less beneficial to health because of the rest time that follows.

Changes in eating patterns: In recent years, eating patterns have changed, with many people opting for convenient snacks or fast foods instead of a full and nutritious breakfast. This may be due to factors such as food availability, advertising and marketing, and the influence of fast food culture.

Let's focus on the last point: why it is so essential to know what we choose for breakfast.

Eating bread with extra virgin olive oil for breakfast instead of, for example, industrial pastries has many health benefits. Extra virgin olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, which can help reduce cholesterol and improve cardiovascular health. In addition, extra virgin olive oil also contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. When taken raw, all the properties of the product are maintained. It is also worth noting that, although we may not notice it, it is a satiating food, so a good piece of toast with EVOO without anything else or with avocado, salmon, tomato or ham, we will have enough food for the whole morning.

Breakfast can also be a social moment of peace and quiet where people can enjoy the company of friends or family and share a relaxed conversation while enjoying a meal. It seems that what we are digesting is even more delicious when it is not rushed.

This is why in many cases it is associated with the weekend or even outside the home to make the experience even less routine. In addition, having breakfast together can be a way to strengthen interpersonal relationships and create a more positive and harmonious atmosphere at home or in the workplace. Eating breakfast in the company of others can also have mental health benefits, as it can reduce stress and anxiety and improve mood. In addition, group breakfast can be an opportunity to practice social and communication skills, and can be especially important for children and adolescents, as it can foster a sense of community and belonging.

We hope you have enjoyed today's post about the "molinero" breakfast and we encourage you to try it this weekend.

If you are lucky enough to have a long weekend in Andalusia, there are no excuses for not stopping for a "proper" breakfast.

We encourage you to share your breakfasts with us if you accompany them with our oils. We are very proud to see how our effort and sacrifice are appreciated further and further. And of course we are delighted with the recognition that EVOO is already enjoying worldwide.

The oil images you see in this post have been generated with artificial intelligence. We wanted to recreate in an artistic way what for us is history, tradition, friendship, good food and a very pleasant way of life.