Menjamiques

Carob, rediscovered in Camp de Tarragona

Menjamiques is a small food and ethnobotany project based in Bràfim, Tarragona, focused on bringing overlooked native plants back into the kitchen. Its main activity is making food products from carob, a signature ingredient of the Camp de Tarragona, and organizing cooking workshops on sustainable, healthy food made with seasonal local ingredients. The company also takes part in local fairs and markets.

Products

Menjamiques makes natural products with local, organic ingredients suitable for people with celiac disease and lactose intolerance. Its first product was carob spread, followed by:

• Organic vegan carob spread: Handcrafted with four ingredients: locally grown roasted hazelnuts, carob nectar, extra-virgin olive oil, and carob flour. Gluten-free, lactose-free, and with no added sugar.
• Carob drink with citrus from Algemesí: A limited-edition charitable product raising funds for people affected by the DANA floods, made in collaboration with small organic citrus growers in Algemesí. Gluten-free and lactose-free.

The company also sells wholesale to retailers.

Cooking workshops

Menjamiques offers workshops focused on sustainable and healthy cooking. Past workshop topics have included:

• Second-Chance Cooking: Preparing a seasonal menu suitable for people with gluten or lactose intolerance, using local foods that would otherwise go to waste.
• Edible Carats: An introduction to carob, its place in the diet, and its properties.
• Cooking with Marginal Plants: Identifying common weeds and incorporating them into meals.

Fairs and events

The project takes part in fairs, tastings, and educational workshops about carob and its benefits. Announced events have included the Trobada Comunitat Corresponable (September 19, in Bràfim), the Jornada Gastronòmica de les Plantes Oblidades (September 26, in Igualada), the 2nd Jornada Corresponable del Formiguer de Menjamiques (July 19, in Bràfim), and El Formiguer Firagost (August 5–6, in Valls).

Where to find its products

Menjamiques products are sold at specialty and neighborhood shops. Together with Soca-Rel and Fruits del Gaià, the company belongs to Brostada SCCL, a nonprofit cooperative promoting sustainability and social change in Bràfim and the surrounding area. The three members jointly run the Centre de Dinamització Rural, which includes a shared production kitchen, storage rooms, a tasting room, and coworking space.

Contact

• Email: info@menjamiques.cat
• Phone: +34 697 81 41 28
• Social media: Facebook, Instagram, and X (@menjamiques)