Chorizo Rojo de Teror

Overview

Chorizo Rojo de Teror is a soft red spreadable sausage from the municipality of Teror on Gran Canaria. It is one of the Canary Islands' best-known local meat products and is commonly spread on bread rather than sliced.

The cut

Identity and terminology

Chorizo de Teror refers to a geographical tradition, but it is not currently an EU protected designation. Rojo distinguishes the paprika-coloured form from paler versions. Despite the name, it does not have the firm cured texture of mainland Spanish chorizo.

Composition and characteristics

Finely minced pork and fat are heavily seasoned with paprika, garlic, salt and spices. The high fat content and fine comminution give a soft paste-like consistency and vivid red-orange colour.

Production and process

The mixture is finely processed, stuffed into relatively broad casing and allowed to develop flavour under controlled conditions. Home or source instructions suggesting raw consumption cannot override validated safety requirements.

History and regional forms

Teror developed the product through local pork butchery and market trade, and the sausage became strongly associated with the town's Sunday market and pilgrimage culture. It is now sold across the Canary Islands as a regional speciality.

Use, storage and related products

It is spread on bread, toast or arepas and may be used in sauces and fillings. It differs from sobrasada, although both are red spreadable sausages, and from firm sliced chorizo.