Discovering sustainable food sources that nurture both body and landscape

Standing in Ana Granda's stall at the Plaza de Abastos in Villaviciosa, watching her carefully arrange bundles of certified organic vegetables still damp with morning dew, I realized this was exactly the kind of mindful food sourcing that makes traveling with intention so rewarding. It's a continual personal quest to find sustainable options everywhere from Byron Bay's farmers markets to local producers across Asturias, and I've discovered that this verdant region offers remarkable opportunities for conscious food choices – though finding them can be quite the treasure hunt.

Between the mountains and coastlines, Asturias has become fertile ground for a quiet organic revolution. While certified organic stores are growing in number, the real treasures are often hidden in plain sight: tiny shops, ethical co-ops, even market stalls run by farmers whose soil speaks louder than any label. The challenge? Many of these small farms and producers operate quietly, without websites or much online presence, making them genuinely difficult to track down. We're continuously updating this guide as we discover more hidden gems, so consider this our evolving map of conscious eating in northern Spain.

🌿 **WHAT MAKES THIS GUIDE DIFFERENT**

• The few certified organic shops we've actually found with COPAE authentication
• Small farms and producers that don't advertise but welcome visitors
• Family-run businesses discovered through local connections
• Urban organic pioneers in Gijón's growing eco-scene
• Honest assessment: some areas are still organic food deserts
• Continuously updated as we uncover more hidden sources

The Reality of Organic Shopping in Rural Asturias

Let me be honest: finding certified organic food in rural Asturias isn't as straightforward as it might be in major cities. Many small producers farm sustainably but can't afford organic certification, while others operate so locally they barely have a sign, let alone a website. What I've learned through months of exploration is that the best organic sources often come through personal recommendations, chance encounters at markets, and patient detective work.

This guide represents what we've actually verified and visited – not an exhaustive list, but genuine finds that we can personally recommend. As we continue exploring (Alba and I are always on the hunt for new sources), we'll keep updating this post with our discoveries.

Urban Organic Pioneers: Gijón's Growing Conscious Scene

Calle Luanco, Gijón | 45 minutes from our properties

La Calabaza - The Organic Pioneer

A genuine pioneer of Asturias' organic scene, La Calabaza is a bright, welcoming grocery shop that stocks everything from crisp local greens and fresh sourdough to gluten-free snacks and whole grains. What draws me to places like this is their holistic approach – much like the sustainable material sourcing I used for Casona Azul's restoration, every product is chosen with intention.

Certified organic vegetables and fresh produce
Artisan sourdough and gluten-free options
Whole grains and sustainable pantry staples
Online ordering with delivery across Asturias

Design Detail Worth Noting:

Right next door is Flow Food, their companion café, where produce is transformed into a daily menu that always includes vegan and vegetarian options – a perfect example of circular design thinking in action. What fascinates me as someone who approaches both design and food with sustainability in mind is how they've created a seamless loop: organic ingredients become meals, kitchen scraps become compost, and the cycle continues. Alba always gravitates toward their lentil stews, which she says "taste like a hug" – and honestly, I've never had one there that didn't live up to that description. The space itself reflects this philosophy, with reclaimed wood furnishings and plants thriving in recycled containers.

Organic Apricots at the market — **Flow Food Details:**

**Address:** Calle Luanco (next to La Calabaza), Gijón
**Specialties:** Daily vegetarian/vegan menu using La Calabaza's organic produce
**Why We Love It:** Zero-waste philosophy meets comfort food perfection
**Map:** Flow Food – Google Maps
**Website:**www.lacalabaza.net
**Map:** La Calabaza – Google Maps

Biodieta - The Complete Organic Store

Just off Calle Echegaray, Gijón

Biodieta is a well-stocked oasis of organic everything: vegetables, canned goods, non-dairy yogurts, and supplements. They're known for excellent service and free home delivery in Asturias mid-week – perfect for stocking up before your arrival at either property.

Map: Biodieta – Google Maps

Surigaia - Social & Ecological Values

Gijón

Surigaia blends social and ecological values with shelves lined with organic produce, fair-trade goods, and sustainable gifts. From a sustainability perspective, I love that they deliver by bike within Gijón and encourage bringing your own containers – exactly the kind of closed-loop thinking that excites me.

Map: Surigaia – Google Maps

Traditional Markets with Conscious Options

Grai (Mercado Agroecológico) - Gijón Sundays

Plaza Mayor, Gijón | Every Sunday

Held every 2nd Sunday at Gijón's Plaza Mayor, the Grai Market (Grupo de Consumo Responsable) isn't 100% organic—but it's deeply local. Here, smallholders sell their seasonal crops: potatoes with dirt still clinging, cabbage so fresh it squeaks. You'll find no plastic signage or polished displays—just real people with real produce.

Insider Tip: Go early—before 11:00—to catch the good stuff.

Map: Plaza Mayor Gijón – Google Maps

Rastro de Gijón - Sunday Treasure Hunt

Near El Molinón Stadium | Every Sunday

The city's Sunday flea market is chaotic and huge, but tucked between the vintage tools and retro coats you'll often find one or two unassuming stands selling what they grew that week—sometimes pesticide-free, always small-batch. Ask them about their methods; most are happy to explain how they farm. There is alot of parking in this area for the market and stadium.

Map: Rastro de Gijón – Google Maps

Regional Certified Organic Sources

El Guertu - Villaviciosa's Certified Pioneer

Plaza de Abastos, Villaviciosa | 15 minutes from both properties

Ana Granda has transformed a traditional market stall into Villaviciosa's only business with the distinctive COPAE certification, which guarantees that vegetables and greens are of ecological origin and cultivation. What draws me back here repeatedly isn't just the impeccable produce quality, but Ana's genuine commitment to sourcing from local growers who share her vision of regenerative agriculture.

What You'll Find:

COPAE-certified vegetables and fruits
Seasonal specialties from Asturian producers
Gourmet conserves and traditional legumes
Specialty items for vegetarians and those with food sensitivities

Market Day: Wednesday (main Villaviciosa market day)

Organic vegetables at the market — **El Campón Eco - Direct from the Source**

**Los Campos, Miravalles, Villaviciosa | 20 minutes from our properties**
El Campón Eco is an ecological farm dedicated to agriculture and livestock. Since 1997, they've belonged to and been controlled by the Council of Ecological Agriculture of Asturias (COPAE), ensuring every product meets the highest organic standards.

Their Philosophy:

Products from their own farm or verified ecological producers
Proximity principle – prioritizing Asturian-grown foods
Seasonal availability respecting natural cycles
Online ordering with standard ecological boxes

Contact: 680.514.652 | info@elcamponeco.com

Ye Bio - Cider Country Organic

Nava | 25 minutes from properties

In the foothills of cider country, this lovely family-run shop is committed to selling only certified organic goods. Fresh fruit and vegetables from Asturian farms, bulk pulses and grains, and eco-cleaning products round out their offerings. They deliver across Asturias.

Map: Ye Bio – Google Maps

Agrecoastur Cooperative - Producer Hub

Siero (Granda) | 35 minutes from properties

Less of a shop and more of a hub, Agrecoastur gathers dozens of small organic producers from across the region. From apple juice to jams and yogurt, they've created a collective that truly supports regenerative food systems.

The store hours are usually as follows:

Tuesday– 12h a 18h

Wednesday – 10.30h a 15h

Thursday & Friday – 10h a 14.30h

Website:www.agrecoastur.com

Map: Agrecoastur – Google Maps

Asturias Vacations Apple Trees — **La Ecolóxica - Rural Sustainability**

**Grado | 40 minutes from properties**
A small organic store in the lush valleys of Grado, La Ecolóxica carries mainly Asturian-grown produce and pantry staples. Though they don't have wide reach, they're part of a growing rural sustainability movement that reminds me of the artisan networks I encountered in Byron Bay. Just check the opening hours as they close certain days of the week.
**Map:** La Ecolóxica – Google Maps

Weekly Market Schedule for Conscious Eating

Even if you don't exclusively choose certified organic, supporting local farmers through traditional markets creates a sustainable food ecosystem. The region's markets offer locally sourced farm produce, often grown using traditional methods with minimal chemical intervention.

Your Complete Market Calendar:

Monday: Infiesto - Central valley produce
Tuesday: Llanes - Coastal specialties
Wednesday: Villaviciosa - Ana's certified organic stall plus traditional market
Thursday: Colunga - Local producers
Friday: Cudillero - Fishing village market
Saturday: Artisan and Organic Market of Gijón (Plaza Mayor) + Arriondas
Sunday: Cangas de Onís - Traditional market with local producers + Grai Market Gijón

For Complete Market Details: Check our comprehensive Asturias Market Days Guide for vendor information, parking tips, and seasonal specialties.

Creating Your Sustainable Food Experience

From Casona Azul Llue - Your Shopping Strategy:

Monday morning: Quick Infiesto market run (25 minutes)
Wednesday: Villaviciosa market including Ana's organic stall (15 minutes)
Thursday afternoon: El Campón Eco pickup or delivery
Weekend backup: Gijón organic shops or Sunday markets

From Arcenoyu Apartments - Optimal Routes:

Wednesday: Villaviciosa market day (15 minutes)
Weekend: Gijón urban organic scene exploration (45 minutes)
For Families with Children

Alba has taught me that children naturally gravitate toward the sensory richness of markets. At El Guertu, Ana often explains to curious kids how vegetables grow without chemicals, creating educational moments that last long after the meal is finished.

"From a family travel perspective, involving children in conscious food choices creates lasting memories. The design detail worth noting: traditional market architecture throughout Asturias creates beautiful spaces for this weekly ritual of community gathering and food appreciation."

The Supermarket Reality: French Chains Leading the Way

Let's be practical – sometimes you need to stock up quickly, and Asturias' supermarket chains have been making genuine strides in organic offerings. The French-owned chains, particularly, seem to understand that conscious consumers want accessible organic options without the treasure hunt.

Carrefour has developed an impressive organic section with their own "Carrefour Bio" line alongside certified organic produce, dairy, and pantry staples. Their larger hypermarket locations often have the best selection, including organic baby food and household products that align with sustainable living principles.

Alcampo (also French-owned, part of the Auchan group) has surprised me with their commitment to organic products. Their fresh produce section includes a dedicated organic area, and their private-label organic range covers everything from pasta to cleaning products. Alba particularly loves their organic fruit pouches for travel snacks.

Aldi might seem like an unlikely organic champion, but their "Simply Nature" range offers reliable organic staples and vegetables at prices that make conscious eating accessible to everyone. Their rotating "Special Buys" sometimes include organic specialty items that would cost significantly more elsewhere.

What impresses me about the French supermarket approach is how they've integrated organic options seamlessly rather than treating them as premium add-ons. It reflects a broader European understanding that sustainable food choices should be convenient, not just aspirational.

Supermarket Links:

Carrefour Spain - Find locations and organic product ranges
Alcampo - Store locator and online shopping
Aldi Spain - Locations and weekly organic specials

Seasonal Eating Calendar

Following traditional Asturian cycles, fresh fruit and vegetables typically arrive at ecological shops on Mondays or Thursdays, so those are the best days to shop for the freshest, most vital produce.

Spring (March-May): Wild asparagus, early greens, spring onions

Summer (June-August): Tomatoes, peppers, summer squash, berries

Autumn (September-November): Apples, chestnuts, winter greens, root vegetables

Winter (December-February): Stored apples, preserved foods, greenhouse greens

Supporting Regenerative Food Systems

What You'll Find:

What I love most about Asturias' evolving approach to organic food is how it naturally integrates sustainability without sacrificing tradition. Whether you're shopping at Ana's certified organic stall, collecting a seasonal box from El Campón Eco, or exploring the urban organic scene in Gijón, you're participating in a food system that's slowly but surely nurturing both land and community.

The intersection of conscious consumption and cultural authenticity creates travel experiences that nourish both visitors and the communities they explore. In Asturias, the organic movement may still be emerging, but every conscious choice supports the region's growing commitment to preserving both landscape and tradition.

Finding organic sources here requires patience and sometimes a bit of detective work, but that journey itself becomes an integral part of your Asturian experience – connecting you directly to the land, the seasons, and the dedicated people who are quietly nurturing this remarkable corner of Spain.

Note: We're actively seeking out more organic producers and sustainable farms throughout the region. Sometimes the small shops will close on a day they are usually open for family reasons. If you discover hidden gems during your stay, please share them with us – we'd love to add your finds to our growing list!

Organic Food in Asturias: Finding the Hidden Gems

The Reality of Organic Shopping in Rural Asturias