If you want to know where to eat the best Payés bread, we must tell you that there is only one right answer to this question. Because the best one you could eat -at least during this 2022- is the one prepared by David Hernández at Montserrat Forners bakery, located in the Guinardó neighborhood of Barcelona, Castillejos, 366.
And why do we tell you that this is the best? Basically, because that was what determined the Millor Pa de Pagès Català 2022 contest, an event organized by the Regulatory Council of the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) Pa de Pagès Català.
Pan de Payés, an icon of Catalan gastronomy
Pan de Payés bread is definitely an icon of Catalan gastronomy. This is a peasant bread that has a delicious thick and crunchy crust, with a dense crumb that shows what it was made for in its beginnings: to support the hardships of the field and feed the peasants who work hard under the harshness of the sun and water.
And although it was made in the countryside, to be enjoyed in the country, the Payés bread is still alive and well in the cities, since it is consumed daily.
According to the owners of the bakery, the secret of this bread is in:
“To make it with the best flours, water and sourdough. Kneading every day, resting with long fermentation and giving optimal baking”.
Basically, what we can deduce is that the secret is – as in most artisanal products – in the hand of the craftsman.
About the contest
The final of the contest was held on September 17 in Barberà del Vallès, and was attended by some 350 people. The prize for the winner was €2,000 and a plaque accrediting the venue. It is worth mentioning that David Hernandez, 40 years old, also won an award in 2021: the Millor Llonguet de Catalunya.
It should be noted that this, the contest in which it was revealed which is the best Payés bread, is held every year. The breads of the finalists are judged on the basis of a blind tasting and the aroma, flavor, baking, weight, color and conservation of the bread for 24 hours are rated.
Also, you should know that this was the eighth final of the contest, which aims to publicize the various bakeries that are part of the PGI. And this is a bread that has the highest quality seal of Catalonia and is recognized by the European Union.
Finally, it is worth mentioning that the other finalists were:
- Mònica Gregori, from Obrador dels 15 in Barcelona.
- Andreu Bertran, from Forn Massana in Cornellà de Llobregat.
