Using seasonal produce results in an unmistakable flavor and aroma. A clear example of sustainability and commitment to local produce is our Duck and Mushroom Paella.
One of the things Rafa Margós was clear about from the moment he began his research with firewood was to use 100% natural, and therefore seasonal, products in every batch. For this reason, he doesn't always produce every variety, but rather has to adapt to seasonality.
After the rains, the first mushrooms of the season begin to sprout, and although Rafa Margós uses this product in vegan paella, he can't get it out of his mind. Our most intense and balanced variety: Duck and Mushroom Paella.
Mushrooms are a very versatile, yet delicate, ingredient. It's essential to choose the varieties carefully so that the intensity of their flavor complements the other ingredients, resulting in a balanced dish.
To achieve this, Rafa Margós uses different varieties depending on the season of each one. Button mushrooms, oyster mushrooms, black trumpets, porcini mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, chanterelle mushrooms and fairy ring mushrooms. In this way, it manages to bring out nuances such as the firmness and sweetness of the chanterelle mushroom which, together with the traditional wood-fired cooking, This results in a paella with an addictive flavor.
Mushroom season.
Although these mushrooms, with their enormous nutritional value, can be found year-round, their peak season is after the first rains in late August or September. Each variety requires a specific amount of time to sprout, but by mid-September, it's very common to find different varieties, such as Boletus edulis.
Thus, with two good storms, the conditions will be favorable for them to begin sprouting. That is when The firewood is lit and the ritual of the Duck and Mushroom Paella begins.
How to clean and preserve mushrooms.
In general, no mushroom should be placed directly under running water. The reason is quite simple. Because they are made up of spores, they can absorb a lot of water, so if you clean them while they are still wet, they can become too moist and lose flavor and texture. The best way to clean them is with a damp brush or cloth, using a brush to remove the dirt. If they are not going to be used immediately, they can be stored with the dirt on for quite some time.
How to prepare a Duck and Mushroom Paella.
This traditional wood-fired cooking process, which Rafa Margós interrupts at the perfect moment, can be finished at home with either a dry or creamy rice dish. Just follow the simple steps included in our kit. And if you're unsure which cooking method to choose, we have the perfect solution for that too. here.
