Sobrasada from Mallorca

Sobrasada is Mallorca's emblematic cured sausage: minced pork, paprika (pebre bord) and salt, slowly cured. It's soft and spreadable, so it goes on bread, on its own or with a drizzle of honey, and into stews, savoury cocas and ensaimada "tallades". It has Protected Geographical Indication status, and the black-label version made from Mallorcan black pig is the most prized.

To buy it, head to a market like l'Olivar or a village butcher's and ask for it vacuum-packed for travel. Local tip: try it toasted for a minute on the griddle or the grill; it's a different thing altogether.

The Protected Geographical Indication covers two types: Sobrassada de Mallorca, made from white pork, and Sobrassada de Mallorca de Porc Negre, from the islands' native black pig, which is much scarcer: in 2025 it was just 6% of what was sold under the PGI. To be sure, look for the Sobrassada de Mallorca PGI seal on the label, overseen by the Consell Regulador; many sobrasadas sold on the island don't carry it.

There's soft sobrasada for spreading and cured sobrasada, firmer, which is sliced; large, well-cured pieces have a stronger flavour. To travel, ask for a whole piece or small vacuum-packed ones, which travel better. At Mercat de l'Olivar several charcuterie stalls will let you taste first. And in Palma you'll see it everywhere: in the breakfast llonguet, on pa amb oli or with honey at aperitif time.

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between regular sobrasada and porc negre?

Porc negre sobrasada is made from the Mallorcan black pig, a native breed raised outdoors, and is scarcer and pricier: in 2025 it was 6% of the sobrasada sold under the PGI. The other, from white pork, is the usual one. Both are made with paprika and salt.

How can you tell if sobrasada is really from Mallorca?

Look for the Sobrassada de Mallorca PGI seal on the label: only pieces that pass the Consell Regulador's checks carry it. Without it, it may be made on the island or elsewhere, with other meat. Butchers and market stalls will tell you which carry it.

Updated in October 2026