Mallorca’s Specialty Ensaimadas

Dating back to the 17th century, ensaimadas are a part of Mallorcan history that is kept alive today. Learn the ensaimada history and the influence of ensaimadas around the world.

Originally posted April 27, 2016
Updated June 14, 2021
 

What Is Ensaimada?

Ensaimadas are a coiled sweet bread made from flour, water, sugar, eggs, starter dough, and pork lard. Yes, pork lard instead of butter.

The Catalan word “saim” means pork lard. The word saim comes from the Arabic word “samin” meaning fat.

After hours and hours of several risings, the dough is baked and sprinkled with powdered sugar. There are variations of flavors from plain to filled with cream, cabello de angel (threads of sweetened pumpkin), almond nougat, or even sobrasada, or sauce, for a sweet-savory version.
 

Ensaimadas Around the World

Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico was a Spanish colony until 1898. Today, you can still find sweet spiral-shaped bread called “pan de mallorca”, or simply “mallorca”, for breakfast or an afternoon snack.

South America
Under Spanish colonization, ensaimadas spread down to South America. There’s ensaimada in Peru as well as in Argentina which most resembles the Mallorcan version.

Philippines
Across the globe, the Philippines were also a Spanish colony for over 500 years and heavily influenced by Spanish culture and cuisine. Ensaimadas were introduced to the Philippines (known there as ensaymadas) by Mallorcan soldiers who longed for their region’s specialty. It has adapted into a buttery brioche bun topped with white sugar and grated cheese. Like in Spain, it is eaten with hot chocolate.

Ensaimada History & Possible Origins

The first evidence of ensaimada as written documentation dates back to the 17th century when it was described as a celebration treat for festivals on the island Balearic Islands.

However, it is possible that the bread has a deeper history beyond Spain.

One theory suggests ensaimada to have Arabic origins as the word “samin” influenced the word “saim” which named the bread “ensaimada.”

Arabs were inhabitants of Mallorca since 1109. They have a sweet snail bread called bulemes dolces which predates ensaimada and is similar except for the fact that it’s made with sheep’s milk butter instead of pork lard.

Another theory points to Jewish origins. The story goes that in 1229 a Jewish confectioner gave at ensaimada called bulema (a pastry eaten during the Sabbath as the spiral shape symbolizes long life) to King Jaume I of Aragon when he conquered Mallorca.

Both of these theories trace the Spanish Inquisition as the turning point for the sweet bread. In 1492, Jews and Arabs were given an option to convert to Christianity or leave Spain. By converting, they had to prove themselves namely by consuming forbidden foods such as pork products. Thus, pork lard became the start of the ensaimada.

Ensaimadas of Palma de Mallorca

There are famous ensaimada shops on the island of Mallorca and in the town of Palma de Mallorca. The joy of traveling in Palma is exploring neighborhood pastelerias to stumble upon all the bakeries as you walk through town.

Ca’n Joan de S’aigo | TripAdvisor
Carrer Can Sanç 10
Palma, Illes Balears, Spain
+34-971-71-07-59
Hours 08:00 – 21:00

Forn d’es Reco
C/ Bonaire 4
Palma, Illes Balears, Spain
+34-971-71-37-27
Hours 08:00 – 21:00

Forn Fondo
Carrer de la Unió 15
Palma, Illes Balears, Spain
+34-971-71-16-34
Hours 08:00 – 20:30

 
 
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