English
Español
If you have not yet tried mullet roe, you are missing out on one of the best kept secrets of Murcian gastronomy.
If there is a flavor that defines our land and our coast, it is that of mullet roe. In the Region of Murcia, to speak of roe is to speak of history, of family tradition, and of our way of understanding the sea.
At Casa Ballester, we have been selecting the best salted fish for over 50 years so that you too can enjoy them as we do here, with respect for authenticity and love for what is well done.
What is Mullet Roe?
Mullet roe (or mullet) is one of those products that anyone who tries it will fall in love with. It is the roe sac of the mullet(Mugil cephalus), a fish that swims in the waters of the Mediterranean and that, for centuries, has used the Mar Menor and our coasts to offer us an authentic gastronomic jewel.
What makes mullet roe really special is its intense flavor, its firm texture and that salty touch that takes us straight to the sea. In addition, it is not only tasty, but also very nutritious, as it is rich in proteins, omega-3 and minerals.
How mullet roe is made in the Region of Murcia
Behind each piece of roe there is an artisanal process full of care and know-how. This is how it is made in our land:
- Fish selection: The best mullet specimens are carefully selected at the right moment, when the roe is well developed.
- Manual extraction: The roe is extracted by hand, with great care, so that it does not break.
- Salted: They are cured in sea salt, such as the one coming from the nearby Salinas de San Pedro del Pinatar, as it has been done all their lives, during the time necessary for them to develop that characteristic flavor.
- Pressing and drying: Finally, they are gently pressed and left to dry in the air, taking advantage of the dry and sunny climate of Murcia, or in traditional drying sheds that simulate these same conditions.
The end result is a product with a firm texture and a powerful flavor that can be stored for months without losing any of its character.
Who are the main manufacturers of mullet roe in Murcia?
In Murcia, mullet roe is a serious business, and some houses have been making it for generations, respecting traditional recipes:
- Salazones Garre: A company with deep roots in the salted fish tradition, which continues to use traditional methods.
- Ricardo Fuentes e Hijos: A benchmark in the salting industry in the region, with great projection within and beyond our borders.
- Salazones Diego: From San Pedro del Pinatar, they work with care and tradition in the production of top quality mullet roe.
How to choose a good mullet roe
Not all roe is the same, and when it comes to choosing a good piece of roe, it is important to pay attention to some important details:
- External appearance: It should have an elongated, compact and unbroken shape. The color varies between orange and light brown, depending on drying.
- Texture: To the touch, it should be firm but not excessively hard. If it is too dry or cracked, it may be stale.
- Smell: Its aroma should be clean, marine and smooth, without rancid or excessively strong notes.
- Size: Mullet roe is usually classified in three sizes, which influence both its price and presentation:
- Large (1st or Extra): Eggs of more than 250 grams. They are ideal for slicing and presenting in trays or tapas.
- Medium (2nd): Between 150 and 250 grams. Very balanced in flavor and texture.
- Small (3rd): Less than 150 grams. Perfect for snacking or to use grated in more elaborate dishes.
Choosing the right size will depend on how you want to enjoy it: as a tapa, to share or as a star ingredient in your recipes.
How to taste Mullet Roe
Mullet roe doesn’t need much to shine. Here are some ideas to savor it as it deserves:
- Finely sliced, with a drizzle of EVOO and fried marcona almonds. Simple and spectacular, and the most common tapa in the Region of Murcia.
- Accompanied with mojama, another traditional Murcian salted fish, or with some cured cheese: the perfect combination for an aperitif board.
- On crusty bread with grated tomato, a more elaborate tapa that never fails.
- In more elaborate dishes: as salads, rice or even grated over pasta. A delight that surprises.
At Casa Ballester, we have been sharing with our customers the best of our land for more than 60 years. That is why we select mullet roe produced in the Region of Murcia with the utmost care and respect for tradition. We work with top quality artisan suppliers, who continue to do things as they have always been done, so that you only have to worry about enjoying.
You can find mullet roe of different sizes in our physical store, in the Plaza de Verónicas in Murcia, or order them comfortably from our online store. Always with guaranteed quality and the attention that characterizes us.
