Feb 18 • 04:25 UTC 🇪🇸 Spain El País

"If there is a Galician on the Moon, he will have a can of our grelos": Luis de Lorenzo, director of A Rosaleira, the first vegetable canning factory in Galicia

Luis de Lorenzo, director of A Rosaleira, discusses the unique history and significance of the first vegetable canning factory in Galicia and its association with the region's notable produce, grelos.

Luis de Lorenzo, the director of A Rosaleira, reflects on the storied history of the first vegetable canning factory in Galicia, established in O Rosal in the 1930s. He notes that A Rosaleira stands out as the only producer of Grelo de Galicia IXP, a vegetable with a protected designation of origin. The factory's legacy began with his grandfather, José Sánchez García, who relocated to O Rosal for its educational amenities and rich agricultural potential, ultimately shaping the town's identity.

The story of A Rosaleira is deeply intertwined with local culture and agriculture, showcasing the connection between the community and the produce that defines it. Luis highlights how his grandfather, a school teacher, integrated agriculture into education, thus fostering a generation of students who appreciated the land's bounty. His grandfather's pursuit laid the groundwork for A Rosaleira, which today not only preserves but also promotes local agricultural traditions, enhancing the significance of Galician grelos both locally and potentially internationally.

Through this venture, Luis emphasizes the pride Galicians feel in their produce and culture. The tagline about a Galician in space with a can of grelos humorously underscores the notion that no matter where one goes, a piece of Galicia, represented by its beloved vegetable, travels alongside. This sentiment reflects a broader push in Galicia to celebrate and sustain local culinary heritage, asserting its place even on the global stage.

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