The secrets of the ensaimada in Mallorca: a sweet with history

The ensaimada in Mallorca is the most iconic sweet of our island, but do you know its origin? Although today it is a symbol of Mallorca recognized worldwide, its origins are multiple and lost in time.

It is believed that the ensaimada originated in the Jewish community of Mallorca, who made a sweet bread similar to challah to celebrate the Sabbath. This bread, prepared with flour, sugar, and olive oil, was carefully kneaded, stretched into a thin sheet, and rolled up to form cords that were then braided. The braid symbolized the union of the spiritual world with the material one, while the circular shape represented vows of long life and prosperity.

With the expulsion of the Jews, the conversos adapted the original recipe to demonstrate their Christianization by replacing the olive oil with lard, known as “saïm.” This ingredient gave the ensaimada its name as we know it today, transforming a symbolic legacy into one of the jewels of Mallorcan pastry tradition.

Some say that the ensaimada was born under Arab rule, influenced by their sweets and preparation techniques. There is also the theory that it has roots in the convents, where monks, with their patience and wisdom, experimented with flours and sweets, creating true culinary works of art.

Perhaps we will never know its origin, but this unresolved mystery is part of its charm, as knights and artists alike have enjoyed this iconic sweet on the island.

What we do know is that lard, or saïm, is the star ingredient that gives the Mallorcan ensaimada its characteristic smooth and fluffy texture. And here in Mallorca, lard has always been a highly valued ingredient in our cuisine.

An evolution over the centuries

Over the centuries, the ensaimada has evolved, adapting to the tastes and customs of each era. In the beginning, it was a simple sweet, without fillings, enjoyed as it was. But over time, the first variations began to appear, such as the ensaimada filled with angel hair or cream.

Today, the Mallorcan ensaimada is a very versatile product that can be enjoyed in many ways. With a little powdered sugar, on its own or accompanied by a good coffee, it is the perfect breakfast to start the day with energy. And if you prefer something sweeter, you can opt for an ensaimada filled with cream, angel hair, or chocolate.

The Mallorcan ensaimada has transcended borders and become one of the most emblematic products of our gastronomy. It is a sweet that evokes memories of childhood, family celebrations, and special moments. And indeed, the ensaimada is much more than just a dessert: it is a symbol of our identity, a reflection of our culture, and a delicacy that makes us proud to be Mallorcan.

That is why, although we may not be able to decipher the clear origin of this icon, at Ca’n Joan de S’Aigo, we are proud to serve you the taste of Mallorcan tradition every day, with ensaimadas of multiple flavors to suit all tastes.

We look forward to seeing you at Ca’n Joan de S’Aigo so you can enjoy the most delicious sweet on the island.